An Orchestra For the Community

What started out as one man’s dream seventeen years ago has evolved through several stages. John St. John is a British-born musician, composer, conductor, and natural-born teacher.

He came up with the idea of forming a youth orchestra similar to the ones that flourish in bigger cities like Orlando because he saw a need for it here. St. John had started successful music recording companies in New York, Miami and Orlando, so he knew the ins and outs of running a business. In 2007 he formed the Hernando Youth Orchestra as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

With the help of his neighbor, the late George Rubis, who was also a musician and instructor, they advertised for children who had some knowledge of music and soon, like Pied Pipers, St. John and Rubis had gathered a small group of children ready to learn and excited to play music. In order to allow the young people to play classical music by such masters as Beethoven and Brahms, St. John adapted the pieces into simplified arrangements.

After a few months of practice, the Hernando Youth Orchestra (HYO) had its first public performance outside the courthouse in downtown Brooksville. The group continued to grow, but there was always the challenge of finding more musicians to replace the ones who graduated from school or moved.

Through the years, the Youth Orchestra continued giving free concerts in public places as well as private facilities, such as nursing homes.

The adults who helped out were not paid. They were all volunteers and still are. However, the orchestra had expenses, such as purchasing the music along with stamps and stationery for mailouts and miscellaneous expenditures. Other than a $3,500 grant from 100+ Women Who Care, a local philanthropic organization, and a small yearly grant from the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, HYO has managed to stay afloat with donations and free will offerings at their concerts. Due to state budgetary constraints, many grants that they might have been eligible for in the past are no longer available.

As time went on, other talented musicians have helped to mentor the students and play in the concerts. Jonathan Widger plays guitar and violin. Bob Webb, another guitarist, came on board and plays violin. Benny DeNiro plays violin and Rick Hadsock plays the bass. Allan Breithaupt volunteered to help out with the conducting and St. John enlisted the assistance of his friend, Ellen Paul, to run the business end of the organization.

“The orchestra is there, not only for the children,” said Ms. Paul, Executive Director of the Hernando Youth Orchestra, “but for the community.”

The HYO’s Board of Directors came up with an idea last year to open up the orchestra to adults. This will help to solve the challenge of recruiting new members to replace those who leave. The adults will also be mentors and role models for the children. They re-named their organization the Hernando Community Orchestra.

St. John calls it a Win-Win for everyone. It’s been proven that music training gives a child a 17 percent boost in academics. Seniors’ cognitive functions will remain sharp if they play a musical instrument. St. John and Ms. Paul have invited families to join the orchestra and they currently have a mother and son who play.

Plus, there’s the social aspect of getting together with people who share common interests. Then there is the service that the orchestra does for the community by performing at eldercare facilities and public gatherings, such as Art in the Park.

Adults who want to join the Hernando Community Orchestra (HCO) do not have to be at a professional skill level. There are no auditions. Also, any orchestral instrument is welcome−whether its string, woodwind, brass or percussion.

“You do have to have some facility with your instrument and be able to read music,” stated Ms. Paul.
One incentive for high schoolers to join the orchestra is that their rehearsals and concerts count as community service hours required to graduate. HCO is a non-profit and provides a service to the community. People who are on probation also have to fulfill community service hours, so the orchestra would provide that opportunity, along with the fellowship they would find as part of a group.

Members of the orchestra will be eligible to take lessons in piano, violin, cello or saxophone and they are looking for teachers who can help in this effort.

Ironically, the Hernando Community Orchestra has plenty of opportunities to perform, talented people to teach and mentor, and even instruments to loan out, but what it’s lacking is musicians.

“Any age, some proficiency in any orchestral instrument, and a love of music is all that’s needed. If you haven’t played your instrument in thirty years because life has intervened, join us anyway. We’ll give you lessons if you need them. We’ll boost your spirits and bring your best friends!” Ms. Paul concluded.

There is no charge to become a member, but many rewards. Maestro St. John and Ms. Paul’s enthusiasm is contagious. I was ready to sign up to become a member, but I don’t think they have an opening for a kazoo player.

For more information about the Hernando Community Orchestra go to www.hernandocommunityorchestra.org. or call John St. John at 352-544-8105.