SUN CITY – Beginning with weekly basement practices and rising to highly anticipated gigs, the Sun City-based Encore Chamber Orchestra continues to take the stage.
Growing from six to 15 musicians over the course of eight years, the orchestra has seen a steady upswing, as is reflected in its upcoming performance in Sun City on July 28.
String bassist Carole Byrne (back) and cellist Jo Broz (front) rehearse with the Encore Chamber Orchestra. (Chris La Pelusa/Sun Day Photo)
According to violinist Bernie Winker, the orchestra began performing with an annual Christmas sing-along concert when the group was rehearsing in a basement. However, it was clear that from the beginning, the ensemble held promise.
“One day during rehearsal we looked out the basement window and there were a couple people sitting with their lawn chairs on the sidewalk,” said Winker, discussing the group’s early days.
From there, it grew.
“We’ve played instrumental background for the German American club dinner, for various Sun City neighborhoods, in Drendel Hall, and at several churches throughout the area,” Winker said.
Perhaps the orchestra’s success is due to the abundant talent and dedication of the group. One example of this is Betty Kamps, the orchestra’s current conductor, who has had a career as a school band director.
“I started playing clarinet at the age of nine,” Kamps said. “I was a music major in college, so music is my field. My orchestral experience also includes playing the clarinet for 14 years with the Evanston Symphony Orchestra.”
Kamps’ skill has also helped the Encore Chamber Orchestra develop an expansive classical repertoire.
“We do pieces from J.S. Bach to Leonard Bernstein. Also, I like to add a sacred number in everything that we do. I have arranged some of the music myself,” she said.
But Kamp’s resume is just one among many impressive back stories. When the Encore Orchestra formed eight years ago, Winker had only recently dusted off his high school violin and started regaining his string skills.
“For 50 years it moved around with me,” he said. “Apparently it’s like riding a bike because I still remember how to read music. It’s really just a question of working on it.”
And work is what they do. The orchestra rehearses once a week, a commitment that has kept the players practiced and inspired.
“Working together is the main motivation for all of us, and that’s what keeps us com¬ing back,” Winker said. “It’s seeing the progress we make.”
Kamps agrees and insists that the enjoyment shared by the members is not exclusive; the ensemble is always open to additional string players.
“Music is one of my great joys, and this group is very passionate about its music,” she said. “It’s a great pleasure to work with them.”
The Encore Chamber Orchestra will next perform on Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m. at the Fountain View Atrium in the Prairie Lodge of Sun City. Admission is free.
Encore Chamber Orchestra
When: July 28, 2 p.m.
Where: Fountain View Atrium
Admission: Free
More Info: sccah.com
