The Auburn Community Orchestra evolved from the Auburn University Orchestra, which ceased effective operations in 1997 due to University fiscal problems. Many University Orchestra members felt the Auburn-Opelika community' s cultural atmosphere would be diminished without regular orchestral concerts, and therefore decided to form a Community Orchestra to ensure the survival of quality orchestral music in the community. The Auburn Community Orchestra is dedicated to its mission to present orchestral concerts to the citizens of Auburn, Opelika, and East Alabama. It should not be necessary for local residents to travel to Montgomery or Columbus to hear quality orchestral music. The orchestra members also wish to promote awareness of orchestral music outside of the Auburn/Opelika area by visiting other communities in the region, either as a group or individually.

Dr. Howard Goldstein, Conductor, and Dr. Richard Amacher, Professor Emeritus of English at Auburn University and violinist in the Auburn Community Orchestra, met with then Auburn Mayor Jan Dempsey and city officials in February 1998, to propose the creation of a community orchestra. Mayor Dempsey agreed to allocate funds from the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department to pay musicians for the first concert, which was held on May 25, 1998. The Auburn Arts Association agreed to act as the Community Orchestra fiscal agent and to assist the Parks and Recreation staff with publicity. The Auburn Arts Association and the City of Auburn provide assistance with publicity and performance expenses (rental of hall, purchase/rental of music, etc.). Funds for the orchestra come from a combination of city, state, and federal grants, as well as contributions from private donors and Chamber members.

Even though Auburn University is no longer the financier of the orchestra, it continues to support orchestral music by allowing the Auburn Community Orchestra the use of rehearsal space and its existing library of orchestral music. The University Music Department has also offered students course credit for participation in the Auburn Community Orchestra.

The conductor of the orchestra is Dr. Howard Goldstein, Associate Professor of Music at Auburn University. Dr. Goldstein holds degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Peabody conservatory of Music in Baltimore. He has led the University Orchestra and taught music history, violin, and conducting. Dr. Goldstein is also a guest conductor with the Columbus (GA) Symphony and the Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra in Birmingham.

A volunteer group of local musicians are chosen by audition and provide the core of the orchestra. Volunteer musicians include persons of similar qualifications and backgrounds who reside in the Auburn/Opelika area. Among this group are pre-college and college students, active and retired faculty from local educational institutions, local music teachers, and other interested parties. Paid members of the Auburn Community Orchestra consist of professional musicians, music educators, and retired musicians with many years of orchestral experience. They include graduates of Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Florida State University, Oberlin College, Columbus State University, and the University of Georgia. The Auburn Community Orchestra represents the entire range of musical and cultural backgrounds present in our community.

In order to promote an awareness of classical music in the larger community, the Auburn Community orchestra also hopes to offer lectures and demonstrations on pertinent topics throughout the year. These might include pre-concert discussions of the works to be played, recitals/discussions of recorded music, demonstrations of various instruments for children and adults, and workshops relating music to the other arts, sciences and business/management issues.

If you would like additional information about participating in the Auburn Community Orchestra, or if you would like to volunteer your services, please contact Howard Goldstein at (334) 844-3167 or e-mail: goldsha@auburn.edu

Auburn Community Orchestra Association

In May 1999 the Auburn Community Orchestra Association was formed. The purpose of the Association is to fund and support the Community Orchestra and to further the enrichment of Auburn' s citizens through orchestral performances. Now that the Association is fully organized, having a Board of Directors and appropriate operational committees, it sought the help of individuals, businesses and industry to fund this valuable cultural addition to our community. We ask your consideration and support through your tax-free membership contributions: Endorser=$750 plus; Benefactor=$400 - $749; Patron=$200 - $399; Sponsor=$75 - $199; Friend=$74 or less.

Your membership will help to enrich the lives of the citizens of our community at all age levels and add another dimension to the quality of life in Auburn. Please make your check payable to the Auburn Community Orchestra Association and send to the following address:

Auburn Community Orchestra Association
P. O. Box 1862
Auburn, AL 36831

Thank you for your support!