Last minute conductor makes concert success

The Leisure World Orchestra had a successful first-ever outdoor concert at Veterans Plaza on July 29, with an impressive turnout of over 35 players, as part of the of the Life Options Expo. The conductor, Samuel Kim, was unable to hold a rehearsal on Monday of that week. The last-minute scramble led the orchestra board members and players to a substitute conductor, the sister of the trumpet player Bruce Vircks. Linda DeRungs from Mutual 5 has over 30 years of experience conducting choruses and orchestras as a high school teacher in theLouisville, Kentucky area. She agreed to take the podium and the rehearsal was reinstated and was successful. DeRungs studied the program and then conducted the concert.

This was the orchestra’s first concert at Veterans Plaza, a much smaller stage than usual, but everything still came together with support from Golden Rain Foundation and Robann Arshat, Member Resources & Assistance Liaison. DeRungs did a wonderful job conducting the orchestra, which sounded great, as an enthusiastic audience filled up the seats. The orchestra also welcomed two new members at the event. For those interested in classical music, the club rehearses on Tuesdays at 1 p.m., in the LW Amphitheater. Those interested in joining the orchestra should contact Fred Reker at (615) 898-0669 or email fredreker326@gmail.com. —Fred Reker