Repertoire
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major
- Overture
- Air
- Gavotte I & II
- Bourrée
- Gigue
Johann Sebastian Bach
Pizzicato Polka
Johann & Josef Strauss
My Funny Valentine
Rodgers & Hart/Arr. Turner
Serenade for Strings
- Waltz
Featuring Katie Moshier & Nick Black Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Banjo and Fiddle
W. Kroll/Arr. Kiryushchenko Featuring Elena Kolbrek De Léon & Kenya Patzer Brief Intermission
The Hills We Climb
Alyssa Morris In Dedication to Linda Varberg
Tango Por Una Cabeza
Carlos Gardel/Arr. Naughtin
It Don't Mean a Thing
Duke Ellington Shall We Dance?
Hoedown
Geoffrey Wharton
PROGRAM NOTES
The Hills We Climb is a celebration of life; its ups and downs; happiness and sadness; tears and laughter; grief and joy. The piece takes inspiration from the Amanda Gorman poem The Hill We Climb. Within this beautiful, inspirational work of poetry, my favorite line is: “For there is always light, If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” The imagery of hills (representative of the Flint Hills region of Kansas) is present in the ascending and descending musical lines throughout the piece. My hope is that the energy and effervescence of light is present in the music as well. This piece is dedicated to Linda Varberg, an incredible person who was brave enough to both see and be the light in her community. Many thanks to Rachel Dirks and the Lawrence Community Orchestra for commissioning The Hills We Climb. Alyssa Morris
Linda Varberg was an active supporter of the arts and the Lawrence community. She was a beautiful and unwavering support to those in her life, often serving as a volunteer for a large variety of organizations. To learn more about Linda, you can read her obituary HERE. Linda was an active artist and a champion of women artists throughout the Lawrence community. The Hills We Climb incorporates the synthesis of beautiful melodies, fun rhythms, and experimental soundscapes. This piece represents the true "Sounds of Lawrence" through its design and its dedication to Linda Varberg and all she contributed to our community.
Katie Moshier is the proud owner of Shall We Dance Ks (Shallwedanceks.com). Her dance background is in jazz, tap, ballet, musical theater, and ballroom/swing. She has been teaching ballroom dance and swing, as well as yoga in Kansas City and Lawrence for over 20 years. In addition, in 2015 she studied Hatha & Vinyasa style yoga for 10 months to receive her 200-hour certification through Yoga Alliance. She became certified in paddleboard yoga in 2021. She uses all styles of dances for competitions and fundraisers, as well as teaching wedding couples. She is honored to take part in the Lawrence Community Orchestra’s Shall We Dance? performance.
Letter from the Board President
Dear Friends, On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’m delighted to greet you this evening. We’ve prepared a program that celebrates the irresistible connection between music and movement. From graceful waltzes to spirited Latin rhythms and the sparkle of Broadway, tonight’s selections invite you to feel the pulse of dance in every note.
This season, the LCO is committed to creating experiences that draw our community closer to orchestral music. Through imaginative programming, partnerships across Lawrence, and events designed to be welcoming and interactive, we aim to make every concert an opportunity for discovery and joy. Shall We Dance? is a perfect example: an evening that turns listening into an experience of rhythm and motion.
And the fun doesn’t stop here! In May, we’ll wrap up the season with Music for MOMs (Movies, Operas, and Musicals). Join us on Mother’s Day at the South Park Gazebo for a free outdoor concert that will delight the whole family. It’s a festive celebration of moms, music-makers, and the joy of community—so bring the moms in your life and join us for an unforgettable afternoon of fun!
As we look forward to that celebration, we want to pause and thank you for being here tonight. Your presence and support help us fulfill our mission of bringing vibrant, high-quality orchestral music to Lawrence. If you’d like to take that support one step further, consider joining us in these ways:
- Make a gift to help us keep our concerts accessible to the community. You can make a donation at https://lawrenceorchestra.org/donate.
- 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/lawrencerorch/
Thank you for sharing this evening of music with us. Warmly, Ric Steele President, Board of Directors Lawrence Community Orchestra
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
- Nick Erickson
- Mallory Lysaught
- Micah Hull
Violin 2
- *Russell Clark
- Bridget O'Neill
- Faith Nichols
- Emma McGinnis
- Chelsea Troyer
- Katherine Lenz
Viola
- *Laura McTavish
- Blair Williams
- Kevin Coronado
- Heather Wisbey
- Kaitlyn Rohr
- Melinda Flohr
Cello
- *Brett Lytle
- Kat Sternbenz
- Jenn Thomas
- Martha Barnhill
- Audrey Herren
- Mary Linn
Bass
- *Larry Rice
- Jeff Dearinger
- Kiana Jackson
** = 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
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- Alison Watkins
OFFICERS
- Ric Steele, President
- Janet Lynn Zuk, Treasurer
- Lois Orth-Lopes, Secretary
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- January 31, 2026 . Thank you!
BENEFACTORS
- Katherine and Bob Dinsdale
- Marilyn Epp
- Oliver and Rebecca Finney
- Dick and Sue Himes
- Lois Orth-Lopes and Steve Lopes
- Lawrence RIce
- John and Christina Varberg
PATRON
- Jeff Dearinger
- Diana Ice
- Doni Slough
SUSTAINERS
- Amos Hargrave
- Allan and Louise Hansen
- Kim Manz
- Lee Anne Thompson
SUBSCRIBERS
- David and Mary Kate Ambler
- Ronald and Nancylee Burt
- Robert and Rebecca Foster
- Vince and Jane Gnojek
- John and Linda Lungstrum
- Tracey Kastens
- Kim Manz
- Renee Patzer
- Lee Reussner
- Katharine and Richard Schowen
- John and Patricia Solbach
- Richard Sosinski
- Maley Wilkins
SUPPORTERS
- Curtis Anderson
- Jane Bireta
- Catherine Campbell
- Harry Hurst Coffman
- Vincent and Jane Gnojek
- Donald Johnston
- Robert and Anita Markley
- Lawrence Maxey
- Edward Rockhold
- Ivan and Terry Smith
- Barbara L Watkins
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
UPCOMING LCO EVENTS
Beat Beethoven 5K
Lace up your sneakers for our annual run/walk, supporting the vibrant Lawrence Community Orchestra! Feel the rhythm and rush of adrenaline as you attempt to outpace the LCO string quartet playing a Beethoven piece on April 25, 2026, 9:30 a.m. The race starts and finishes in the Southwind 12 movie theater parking lot and goes along the Lawrence Loop. You are also invited to bring a chair and listen to the great music, no registration required. Registration ($30) including a tshirt will close April 1. Registration without a tshirt is open until April 24.
Music for MOM (Musicals, Operas, and Movies)
4 p.m., May 10 Free concert in South Park Movies, Operas, and Musicals, oh my! Join the LCO this Mother's Day as we celebrate MOMs! This free concert at the South Park Gazebo will delight all who join in the fun. The concert will feature music by John Williams, ABBA, and Mozart and will include special movement activities for younger audience members. Don't miss this fun and festive event celebrating mom.
Credits:
Created with images by tache - "Heart bokeh background on Valentine's day" • IBeart - "valentines day background with red hearts bokeh and copy space, love concept template" • IBeart - "valentines day background with red hearts bokeh and copy space, love concept template" • Evgenia Smirnova - "Lantern" • josje - "Burning Candles" • Nikolay - "Red silk or satin luxury fabric texture can use as abstract background." • tache - "Heart bokeh background on Valentine's day" • Irina - "Red de focused sparkle glitter background with golden particles close up" • tache - "Heart bokeh background on Valentine's day"