Repertoire
Carnival of the Animals
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
Danse Macabre
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, op. 46
- Morgenstimmung
- Åses Tod
- Anitras Tanz
- In der Halle des Bergkönigs
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Harry Potter Symphonic Suite
John Williams/arr. Jerry Brubaker (1932-)
Roman Carnival Overture, op. 9
Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)
Welcome to the Lawrence Community Orchestra’s “Spooky Carnival” Concert!
On behalf of the LCO Board of Directors, I’m delighted to welcome you to this afternoon’s performance. We’re excited to present a program that blends the familiar with the unexpected—Saint-Saëns’ beloved Carnival of the Animals and spine-tingling Danse Macabre, Berlioz’s exuberant Roman Carnival Overture, and selections from the magical world of Harry Potter. It’s a celebration of music that stirs the imagination and invites you into the “spooky” fall season.
This year, the LCO is expanding its efforts to connect with even more members of the Lawrence community. Whether through family-friendly concerts like Spooky Carnival, partnerships with local organizations, or programming that reflects the diversity of our city, we’re committed to making orchestral music more accessible, inclusive, and engaging.
If you believe in our mission, we invite you to support the LCO:
• Make a gift to help us keep our concerts accessible and our programming bold. You can make a donation here.
• Follow and share our events on social media to help us reach more of our community. Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceCommunityOrchestra or https://www.instagram.com/lawrenceorch/.
Ric Steele, Lawrence Community Orchestra Board President
Dr. Rachel Dirks is an active conductor, clinician, researcher, and educator. In addition to her work with the Lawrence Community Orchestra, she serves as Director of Orchestral Studies at Kansas State University where she conducts the Symphony Orchestra, teaches graduate and undergraduate string education and conducting courses, and holds an active applied cello studio. Dr. Dirks has been invited to collaborate with orchestras and honor ensembles throughout the United States, most recently in New York, Hawaii, Nevada, and Georgia. As a featured clinician and educator, she has been invited to present her research at numerous music education conferences throughout the U.S. and Europe.
A Kansas native, Dr. Dirks holds cello performance degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Bethel College, and a Ph.D. in music education, with an emphasis in orchestral conducting, from the University of Kansas. Her current research in music, student, and teacher mental wellbeing has led her to her current position as chair of the national committee on health and wellness for the American String Teachers Association. Throughout her experiences as a conductor and educator, her fundamental goal is to encourage musicians to seek and create connection and community through music.
LCO Personnel
Violin 1
- **Kenya Patzer
- Elena Kolbrek De León
- Nicole Limones
- Natalee Thomas
- Mallory Lysaught
- Micah Hull
Violin 2
- *Russell Clark
- Nick Erickson
- Kate Lammers
- Chelsea Troyer
- Katherine Lenz
- Jay Knight
Viola
- *Laura McTavish
- Blair Williams
- Alison Mayes
- Heather Wisbey
- Kaitlyn Rohr
- Melinda Flohr
Cello
- *Brett Lytle
- Kat Stertbenz
- Mariah Barnett
- Martha Barnhill
- Jenn Thomas
- Audrey Herren
Bass
- *Larry Rice
- Jeff Dearinger
- Kiana Jackson
Oboe
- *Emily Foltz
- Chelsea Kanicsar
Flute
- *Annie Davidson
- Andy Fukasawa
Piccolo
- Joy Laird
Clarinet
- *Richard Galbreath
- Gabriella Phillips
Bassoon
- *Mariah Stadel
- Rachel Woodbury
French Horn
- *Ethan Rogers
- Jana Hitchcock (Assistant)
- Katie Brook
- Sam Parrilla
- Bob Dinsdale
Trumpet
- *Tyler McTavish
- Zachary Church
- Wayner Ramon Ortega
- Nicolas Weaver
Trombone
- *Neal Purvis
- Jared Eck
Bass Trombone
- Michael Serra
Tuba
- Jossie Jones
Percussion
- *Collin Watgen
- John Eldridge (Timpani)
- Guthrie Bricker
- Ryne Poindexter
- Yitong Chen
Harp
- Tori Freund
Piano
- Connor Jones
- Janet Hart
** = Concertmaster
* = Section principal
About the LCO
Our Mission
The Lawrence Community Orchestra provides a dynamic experience where people of diverse backgrounds celebrate and appreciate orchestral music together, encouraging pride in their community.
Our Vision
The Lawrence Community Orchestra will be a catalyst in elevating the artistic and cultural scene in Lawrence.
The LCO Board
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR
- Rachel Dirks
OFFICERS
- Ric Steele, President
- Janet Lynn Zuk, Treasurer
- Lois Orth-Lopes, Secretary
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- Alison Watkins
BOARD
- Bob Dinsdale
- Joan Huber
- Brett Lytle
- Bridget O'Neill
- Joe Piontek
- Lee Anne Thompson
- Heather Wisbey
Where We've Been; Where We Are Going
The Lawrence Community Orchestra was born when Dr. Vernon Branson built a harpsichord for his wife Jessie after they were inspired by a chamber music concert at London’s St. Martin-in-the-Fields in 1970. Jessie invited a few string and wind musicians to play in her home. That group became the Lawrence Chamber Players, giving their first concert on April 30, 1972. Since then, the orchestra, which took the name Lawrence Chamber Orchestra in 1998, has performed under the direction of Charles Hoag, George Boberg, Daniel Politoske, Juan LaManna, Eric Williams, Steven McDonald, and several others.
Until its dissolution in 2011 the Kansas Arts Commission was a regular supporter of the orchestra. With the loss of those funds it became clear that the orchestra, as then constituted, was no longer sustainable. In 2013 the board decided to reorganize. Our Mother’s Day concert in May 2014, introduced the reorganized orchestra featuring new music directors, many new musicians who hail from Lawrence, a larger ensemble, a broader repertoire, and plans for more frequent concerts. These changes remain in evidence in today’s concert. Throughout the orchestra’s fifty-year history, however, what has not changed is the continuing commitment to the goals of those who gathered in Jessie Branson’s living room more than 50 years ago: to provide fine music for the enjoyment both of those who perform it and those who come to hear it.
LCO Contact Information
info@lawrenceorchestra.org
Support the LCO
Contributors
The Lawrence Community Orchestra is grateful to these individuals who contributed in the period July 1, 2024 - October 1, 2025. Thank you!
BENEFACTORS
- John & Christina Varberg
- Dick & Sue Himes
- Oliver & Rebecca Finney
- Marilyn Epp
- Bob & Katherine Dinsdale
PATRONS
- Lois Orth-Lopes & Steve Lopes
- Diana Ice
- Janice Nicklaus
- Doni Slough
SUSTAINERS
- Kim Manz
- Amos Hargrave & Michelle Bergman
- Tracey & Jude Kastens
- Jeff & Beth Dearinger
- Richard Sosinski
- Lee Reussner
SUBSCRIBERS
- Vince & Jane Gnojek
- David & Mary Kate Ambler
- Robert & Rebecca Foster
- Katharine & Richard Schowen
- Ric & Carol Steele
- Harry Hurst Coffman
- John & Patricia Solbach
- Maley Wilkins
- Heck Family Dentistry
SUPPORTERS
- Barbara Watkins
- Robert & Anita Markley
- Dr. Curtis Anderson
- Edward Rockhold
Credits:
Created with images by Bits and Splits - "Rustic top view flat lay autumn arrangement decoration" • ISVO - "Pattern of decorated cookies in the shape of scary orange sugar pumpkins and chocolate bats on a dark scary background top view Halloween and Thanksgiving autumn cozy atmosphere holiday food concept" • Nastya - "Halloween craft for kids. Materials for creativity of orange, and black colors. Children's master class" • lordn - "Jack o Lantern - autumn Halloween holiday concept background" • shephotos - "Warm autumn season minimal background with realistic leaves on orange and yellow colors blurred background. Copy space. Space for text. Banner or header. Natural fall background or sale banner concept" • Ivan Kmit - "candles"