The Effingham Community Orchestra came into existence on July 15, 2007 when a group of 15 interested musicians met to discuss the dream and possibility of establishing a community music group for instrumentalists. No community music group already existed in Effingham County in which musicians could play and continue to exercise and improve skills after completion of public school music classes. A decision was made to go forward with the establishing of a community orchestra. The newly formed group named itself Effingham Community Orchestra and adopted its mission statement.
In addition to attending routine rehearsals, the group developed operational policies and procedures, and began informing the public and community leaders of its existence and efforts. The group grew under the direction of Mrs. Andrea Huff, a long standing member of Music Teachers National Association with 47 plus years of private music instructing, conducting and music involvement to her credit.
Acting upon an invitation from the board of directors for the Veterans Park of Effingham County the growing 29 member orchestra made its debut community performance with a Patriotic Tribute on Veterans Day, November 11, 2007 to an estimated attendance of 400. On March 20, 2008 the orchestra once again performed at Veterans Park of Effingham County during the Submarine USS Georgia’s flag ceremony as that flag passed through Georgia on its way to be placed on the vessel.
Certificate of Incorporation as a Domestic Non-Profit Corporation for Effingham Community Orchestra, Inc. was issued by the Secretary of State of Georgia on May 19, 2008.
March 10, 2009 Effingham Community Orchestra, Inc. was granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. Documentation is on file in our permanent records.
March 21, 2010 the orchestra musicians and volunteers presented a “Meet the Orchestra Event and Concert” which was partially funded by a Georgia Council for the Arts, Grassroots Arts Program grant. The educational event provided free of charge to attendees the opportunity to interact with the musicians about instruments and to hear a demonstrative concert.
The orchestra continued to grow in musicianship offering broader opportunities for musicians to enhance skills and more advanced level concerts for the public.
In June of 2018, founding executive director and conductor, Mrs. Andrea Huff, decided to pass the leadership baton to Virginia Patterson, CEO and Executive Director and Charles Patterson, Music Director.
Under the new leadership team, Effingham Community Orchestra continues to provide skill enhancing and performance opportunities for its musicians by holding regular rehearsals and presenting concerts. The orchestra continues to enhance the community by performing full length free concerts to the public and providing music for some other community events.