The Wood River Orchestra was formed in 2007 as a venue for musicians of the Wood River Valley. In October 2007 Mitzi Mecham, Andrew Lewis, and Sue Mendelsohn invited musicians interested in participating in an orchestra to come to our first rehearsal.  The first few meetings were made up of adults and students and, as it grew, the Wood River Orchestra needed a place to practice.  This fledgling group met in various places, including Notes Music, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Wood River Middle School band room and Andy’s home.  By this time our core group numbered fifteen.  We were ready to perform for the public.

The first concert was held at the Liberty Theater on May 4, 2008, with 29 musicians, ages 13 to 80.  This was followed by concerts at many different locations and community events.

As a community orchestra we give back by performing free concerts several times a year at various locations such as The Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood and The Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater,

In addition, the orchestra ensemble has performed for Souper Supper, The Sawtooth Botanical Gardens, the Wood River Women’s Charitable Foundation and the Community Library .

We welcome string, woodwind, brass and percussion musicians.  We encourage those who have not played an instrument for some time and want the joy of playing with others in an orchestra to join us.