The Vernon Parish Chamber Orchestra will perform its Spring Concert on May 20 at 6:30 pm at the First Methodist Church in Leesville. This program will feature a variety of familiar show tunes from stage and screen that includes: Star Wars, a medley from James Bond movies, and another from The King and I. There will be lively themes from “spaghetti westerns” such as The Magnificent Seven and Hang ‘Em High in a composition titled “Go West.” And beautiful standards like Ol’ Man River from Show Boat and Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The dedicated and talented conductor of the VPCO is Mr. Guy Bordelon who is one of the few people in the orchestra originally from Louisiana. After serving in the military Guy returned to Louisiana in 2015 as a software Systems Engineer under contract to the US Army. He maintains, supports, and trains soldiers at Fort Johnson on Military Intelligence systems. He joined the VPCO as a saxophone and baritone player and when the orchestra’s previous conductor Judy Holleman relocated, Guy was persuaded to step in and continues in that role today. He also actively participates with the Impromptu Players at the Wooten Theater in DeRidder.
Three other Louisiana natives in the ensemble are concert mistress Adrienne LeJeune, violinist Elizabeth Cyr, and Carol O’Brien on clarinet. Some members such as oboist Nancy El Koubi and Spencer Meyer on string bass are here because “Home is where the Army sends you.” But at this time the majority of musicians are the faithful folks who travel from East Texas to rehearse in Leesville every week. There will be an additional performance in Jasper for their families and friends to attend on May 19.
We invite you to attend this concert either at St Michael’s in Jasper on May 19 at 3 or at First Methodist in Leesville on May 20 at 6:30 pm. Both performances are FREE, and the program will feature familiar show tunes.
And if you played an instrument in band or orchestra and miss playing with other musicians, you are welcome to join the VPCO next season. There are only two requirements: that you can read music and have your own instrument. For more information email wallabing818@yahoo.com or visit the VPCO Facebook page.