# Olney: Orchestra Thriving After 67 Years

[![Orchestra members warmed up before their performance at Berachah church in Cheltenham.](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/26010257/sppn1332olneyorchestra-300x224.jpg)](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/26010257/sppn1332olneyorchestra.jpg)Orchestra members warmed up before their performance at Berachah Church in Cheltenham. The Olney Symphony Orchestra performed its second concert of its 67th year as an organization this week. The two-hour performance at Berachah church in Cheltenham featured Johannes Brahms' *Symphony No. 3 in F Major* and a solo by Temple University student Elena Smith. Although the orchestra's 36 members look forward to such performances, many said they relish the nearly weekly rehearsal time led by conductor Jack Moore. "The best thing about this orchestra is Jack Moore," said french horn player Josh Mitteldorf. "He's constantly working us and teaching us section by section how to play the music. He knows the repertoire really well so he comes up with really interesting pieces." Mitteldorf, like many other orchestra members, has been in various orchestras throughout the city and elsewhere. However, he said  he enjoys that Olney Symphony Orchestra provides an opportunity to collaborate and grow with other musicians. Several members have been with the orchestra since its founding in 1946. Trumpet player and 50-year member Charles Wurster recalled the organization's beginnings as a merging of mutual interests. While in high school, several of Wurster's friends in Olney were musicians and started playing together to form an orchestra. "I found out that they were having the first rehearsal, so I showed up. I was the only trumpet player there," Wurster said. For many in Olney, the orchestra became a means of connecting with other musicians. Anne Perrong joined the group in 1959 as a cellist, but stopped playing after 49 years due to health reasons. She now heads the orchestra's welcoming committee. "First of all, music is a part of my life," Perrong said reflecting on why she joined the orchestra. "Second of all, I made lifelong friends. Third of all, I like to play. Since its founding, the Olney Symphony Orchestra has grown to include members from throughout the city and its suburbs and has performed  at various community events and senior homes around Northeast Philadelphia. The orchestra's next concert is scheduled for May 27.