17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø

History

The 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø Community Symphony, formerly the Alumni Orchestra, was founded in 1994 by former members of 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø's student ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Derald DeYoung. The symphony allows local musicians to continue to serve the community, hone their skills, and bless God by sharing performances of classical orchestral literature. A number of the founding musicians are still members today.

The orchestra is made up of a variety of musicians from the greater Grand Rapids and West Michigan community who share a love of performing classical orchestral literature. We hope to broaden our audience and increase our orchestra size by widening the door for community players and students to join us.

The orchestra is governed by a self-elected board and is supported by its own membership and patrons. The symphony is also generously supported by the 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø Alumni Association, the 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø Music Department, and the 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø Academy for Life-Long Learning (CALL). The orchestra's members, who give freely of their time and talent, come from all walks of life. All share a common love of performing great orchestral literature from composers past and present, and an abiding respect for 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø's educational mission and performing arts tradition.

The orchestra performs in the 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø Covenant Fine Arts Center, typically once in the fall and once in the spring.