This post is one of a series of 13, highlighting Flagstaff-focused non-profit organizations that The Framing Department is partnered with! By mentioning our “13 Years of Giving” program, $13 from each framing order our customers place are donated to these amazing organizations driving positive change in our community.
Orchestra Northern Arizona
When was the organization established? How long has it been active in Flagstaff?
Formerly under Coconino Community College, Orchestra Northern Arizona became an independent, non-profit organization in July 2010.
What does the organization do? What is your main goal/purpose?
Orchestra Northern Arizona believes that music is an invaluable part of community life and strives to make orchestral music available to everyone, regardless of age or income, through free concerts in a family-friendly, informal venue. Our unique, quality programming entertains, educates and involves our audiences, with a particular emphasis on young children. We are committed to educational partnerships that bring musicians and students together; to collaborative efforts that support other arts organizations within our community; and to giving all musicians, amateur and professional alike, the opportunity to learn and perform orchestral music.
How do people get involved (can people volunteer, give donations, etc)?
Since we offer our concerts at no charge to the community (so that every one can attend, not matter their income level), we rely on donations from the community and our audiences for operating cost support. We also have volunteering opportunities, mostly at our concert events to help us put on the show!
What is your organization seeking from the community? Cash donations? Participation in events? In-kind donations? This is your chance to tell the reader how they can help!
Cash donations are always welcome, but we would also welcome support for specific projects or expenditures: i.e. program design costs, printing costs, music rental or rehearsal space rental.
Do you have any special events coming up?
The last concert of our season is on Saturday, May 17, 7 p.m., at the Coconino Center for the Arts. This will be a fantastic concert, made up of some of the greatest symphonic dances ever written. Lots of fun for the whole family!
We are also planning to bring Karim Elmahmoudi, a composer from Los Angeles, to Flagstaff for our Dark Skies concert on October 18, held in collaboration with the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition. The orchestra will play Elmahmoudi’s Orbit, a Symphonic Fantasy. This is a piece that premiered in 2012 and now plays hourly in the California Science Center where the space shuttle Endeavor is housed. We are very excited about this unique opportunity.
What is your favorite part about doing business in Flagstaff and serving our community?
Flagstaff is really a great place for small arts organizations like ours that give local, amateur artists and musicians a place for artistic expression. (What a great thing it is! So many of our members say that music was the one thing missing in their lives until they found us!) And we’re not alone, we also have the community band, the FSO, Theatrikos, Flagstaff Light Opera, the Children’s Youth Theater, and the list goes on.
Not only is ONA in the company of all these organizations, but we also have a community that turns out for events, who are there to support us so that we in turn can support the quality of life in Flagstaff. I really can’t say enough about this.
How can people get in touch with you? (This is a good place for links to your website, facebook, *AZ-Gives page*, and any other relevant links!)
Arizona Gives Day: www.razoo.com/story/Flagstaff-Dark-Skies-Coalition-2014-Concert