The Scruffy City Orchestra (SCO) offers a community to symphony orchestra players ranging from intermediate to advanced skill levels.
Sarah Ottinger, senior in environmental soil science, said she became involved with the group after her high school orchestra director took a position as the director of the Scruffy City Orchestra.
“The orchestra gives me an opportunity to keep up my skills as a violinist, develop relationships with musicians in the community and have a creative outlet to contrast my academic activities,” Ottinger said.
Ottinger said that rehearsals can seem difficult after a long day or during a busy schedule, but the orchestra’s fun and relaxed environment to play music in is a great opportunity for those who choose not to major in music and would not necessarily have the opportunity outside of the orchestra to enjoy their instruments.
“I hope that Scruffy grows and continues to be a diverse place for people who love music to share their craft,” Ottinger said.
Outside of their regular programmed events, the SCO also performs outreach concerts in Knoxville county schools.
“I love the repertoire we get to play, and I enjoy the social aspect of connecting with other music lovers,” Ottinger said.
Some of the musicians have been able to develop their talents through the SCO and be part of a growing organization.
After humble beginnings with various participants, the group’s conductor Ace Edewards has been able to watch the SCO flourish as more players come to join the orchestra from different backgrounds and talents.
Edewards works very closely with the board to choose music, set up at events, work with sound and lights, and any other job that the SCO may need help with. He has been with the SCO since its beginning around 2015 when a need for a local orchestra was recognized.
“It is a labor of love, and I really enjoy it…we are very excited about our new concerts. I love classical music and conducting, and I love working with amateur musicians.,” Edewards said.
Edewards expressed how satisfied he was with particularly two shows the SCO performed. One of the concerts titled “Around the World in Eight Pieces” explored eight public domain music pieces from various geographical locations. A second concert, “Fire and Ice” also seemed to be a hit with performers and audience members.
Edewards hopes that the music can not only be of enjoyment for the players, but also the audiences who view the shows. While he encourages students to support their schools of music performance, he also wants to welcome students to the SCO.
“I really want [the students] to enjoy making music with each other…we would love to have UT students come and join us,” Edewards said.
Edewards believes that music does not only produce a beautiful sound, but can also have a positive impact on the community.
“I think communities that have a very active arts scene is one that is very healthy, especially if amateurs can participate in an activity to act as an artistic outlet,” Edewards said. “We can provide [an outlet] for amatuer musicians, and I think the community concert is a chance for people to vicariously support community members.”
Students interested in joining can email the SCO. Members joining should be able to commit to weekly two hour rehearsals, as well as two to three performances at the end of the season. The SCO meets at First Baptist Church in downtown Knoxville, where a few of their performances also take place.
