About Michiana Chamber Orchestra
Formerly known as Niles Area Chamber Orchestra
We stated out as a group of Niles, MI, musicians, adopting the name “Niles Area Community Orchestra”. Since that time the nature of the orchestra has changed, and we have attracted players from surrounding communities in Michigan and Indiana. The group is still based in Niles as its primary rehearsal location and performance venue. “Michiana Chamber Orchestra” was chosen as the new identity for the group that more accurately reflects its membership and performing area.
The group has grown and shrink over the years, and is open to anyone in the greater Niles area (which currently includes players from Bridgman, Sawyer, Buchanan, Niles, Dowagiac, St. Joseph, Edwardsburg, and Berrien Springs in Michigan, and South Bend, Mishawaka, Osceola, and Granger in Indiana) who has an instrumental skill they would like to employ in a fun and rewarding activity. Several concerts are planned for 2022 and 2023, and now would be the perfect time to join.
To answer a question you may have in your mind: you are not too old to do this (the group is open to ages 12 and up).
Rehearsals are held twice a month, generally on Sunday afternoon:
NEW REHEARSAL LOCATION:
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
1340 Sycamore Street
Niles, Michigan 49120
Orchestra Members
Music Director:
Valerie Rumpf
Communications:
Larry Lee
Strings
Violins
Caroline Bos
George Klawitter
Faith Krager
Shoshannah Ragan
Sandra Redman
Beth Romeo
Donna Rowe
Rita Schenk
Violas
David Rumpf
Rita Schenk
Cellos
Alicia Dollinger
Gail Durm
Maren Rishaug
Richard Rumpf
Kate Sartori
Kat Hamlin
BASS
Kevin Leazenby
Louis Poulos
Woodwinds
Flutes
Linda McGinnity
Renée Lofgren
Cathie Yoder
Kellie Christie-Wetmore
CLARINETS
Celeste Christie
Alice Nelson
Wayne Russell
Sara Rowley
BASS CLARINET
Ann Young
OBOES
Sara Gleason
Ashlee Trensey
Brass
TRUMPET
Karen Evans
Andrew Roberts
FRENCH HORN
Michael Sirovica
Alan Wegner
BARITONE
Michael Burrow
TUBA
Jeff Bryant
Percussions + Others
HARP
David Riggenbach
PERCUSSION
Paul Doellinger