Alpine Orchestra History

Ten years ago, during the spring, Cheryl Tischer had the idea of trying to form an orchestra to allow numerous area musicians to perform more than once per year. She discussed the idea with Teclia Cunningham, and together they placed an ad in local newspapers, inviting interested musicians to a meeting held on May 14, 1991. Plans were made for rehearsals, and to acquire music and rehearsal space. We are grateful for Cheryl's foresight, because the Alpine Orchestra was formed from that beginning.

The first rehearsal had fifteen people in attendance, in donated space with borrowed music and equipment.

Initial concerts were held in August of 1991 in front of small but appreciative audiences. A Board of Directors was chosen and the Alpine Orchestra was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in December of 1991. In ten years, the orchestra has grown into a group of more than forty members, all residents of the upper Arkansas Valley, ranging in age from 15 to 85, including people from various professions, with all levels of education and musical experience. The group has been led by six different conductors and has acquired valuable knowledge, skills, and experience from each of them.

Through generous donations from ever-growing audiences, as well as from orchestra members and area businesses, the group has acquired several pieces of equipment and is building a moderate library of musical compositions.

The Alpine Orchestra continues to strive for excellence in fulfilling its purpose of sharing the enjoyment of music with the public and expanding opportunities for talented young musicians. During the past two years, a scholarship program has been implemented, which has enabled the orchestra to award three graduating seniors substantial financial awards for their continued musical education.

The Alpine Orchestra is very pleased to be celebrating ten years in existence! We are grateful to our audiences and members and look forward to presenting many more fine concerts to the public in the years to come.

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Alpine Orchestra Charter Members
Co -Founders: Cheryl Tischer*

Teclia Cunningham*

Hope Bright

Bob Cook
Vailia Davidson*
Ed Johnson*
Ellen Killerlain*
Chuck Liddle*
Vic Mabus*
Jim Moore*
Bill Murphy*
Anne Nolen*
Gloria Riddle-Roe
Marci Ryan*
Franklin Smith
Robert Vaughan
Jeanine Wallace*

*Members who have played all ten years

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Conductors 1991-2001

Mike McCallum June 1991
James Horner July 1991 - Dec. 1995
Rex Matzke Jan. 1996 - Aug. 1997
Ralph Cuda Sept. 1997 - Aug. 1998
Bill Reeves Sept. 1998 - Dec. 1998
Farrell Coy Jan. 1999 - Present

In Memoriam

Many special people have played with the orchestra over the ten years since its inception We'd like to remember those who are no longer with us.

Bert Johnson Violin
Wil Atkinson Bass
Mark Merry Percussion
Howard Goff Violin
James Horner Conductor
Martha Parks Cello
Jeanine Wallace Clarinet
Gloria Riddle-Roe Percussion

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Contributors

We would like to thank again; all the people who have helped the Alpine Orchestra survive and grow. Thank you for your contributions, especially:

Buena Vista High School - for rehearsal and concert space during our early years and equipment.

Sandi Dawson - for 4 years use of Chaffee County High School as rehearsal space plus many, many extras.

St. Rose Of Lima Catholic Church - for the use of their building after we out grew our old rehearsal space.

Mountain View Church of Christ - our current rehearsal hall.

Salida High School - for concert venue and rehearsal space.

First Baptist Church - for concert venue in Buena Vista.

Annunciation Catholic Church - for concert venue in Leadville.

Lake County High School - for Leadville concert venue.

National Mining Museum - Leadville concert venue.

Church of the Ascension - Salida concert venue.

Salida Steam Plant - Salida concert venue.

Lake County, Buena Vista and Salida High School Band Directors - for loaning equipment and technical help.

Buena Vista Correctional Facility Vocational Print Shop - For assistance in printing the anniversary programs.

And For Financial Support:

Buena Vista Youth Symphony Cathie Den
Carpentry by Hand Lori Isenberger
D&J Rare Gems Ed Johnson
Delaware Hotel Ellen Killerlain
Dr. Edward Hansford King
Anonymous (several) Mackenson
Gene Avery Judy Maestrelli
Paul & Teclia Cunningham Roberts
Anne & Bryce Nolen Cheryl Tischer
Barbara Ebel Radio Active Productions

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Copyright 2000
The Alpine Orchestra