Thank you for your interest in the orchestra!
Led by conductor Ace Edewards, Scruffy City Orchestra was founded in 2015 by a small group of musicians who thought it was time there was a community orchestra in Knoxville. We draw volunteer members from the greater metropolitan Knoxville, TN area. (To apply for membership, see “Membership/Application” below). For its first few years, the orchestra was led by dual conductors Ace Edewards and Matt Wilkinson, and is currently conducted by Ace Edewards.
In November, 2018, SCO was invited to be part of the Cathedral Concert Series at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. The Cathedral Concert Series is a program of the Diocese of Knoxville Music Commission and is dedicated to providing the community with free/low-cost opportunities to experience local, regional, national, and international sacred and classical music ensembles in the effort to support the Arts and foster appreciation for Sacred Music in East Tennessee.
Conductor Ace Edewards finishes “Ce qu’on entend sur la montagne” by Franck, Fall 2022
Rehearsals
Scruffy City Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, pay-to-play organization. Member fees are $50/year.
We have two rehearsal/concert cycles per year. The summer-fall season runs from August through October with a concert in early-mid November. The winter-spring season runs from January-April with a concert in late April or early May. We do not rehearse in the summer.
Location
The cafeteria on the campus of The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus), 711 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN.
Equipment
Bring your own stand, instrument(s) and any other items you personally need (stand lights, etc.). Music is provided through links e-mailed to members for personal print-out.
Attendance
Attendance is critical to the success of a community orchestra. Musicians must attend at least 80% of rehearsals to continue as members. Attendance at Thursday dress rehearsal the night before the Friday concert is mandatory. Please make every effort to attend the last two rehearsals in particular. If you cannot meet these requirements and want to continue as a member of the orchestra, speak to the Personnel Manager.
Always let the Personnel Manager know as far in advance as possible if you must miss any rehearsal and inform your section leader as well.
Concerts
As described above, SCO has two scheduled concerts per session in the spring and fall. SCO also participates in various special musical events and competitions during the year.
Membership/Application
Membership is open to adults 18 and over. If you are interested, please email the following:
- Contact information: Name, cell phone, email
- A brief description of yourself and your instrument
- A 1-2 minute video of you playing a piece that best reflects your abilities.
If there are no current openings, we will place qualified musicians on our wait list.
Current Conductor and Board Members:
Ace Edewards, Conductor
Janice Mitchell, President
Susan Rankin, Secretary
Alicia Hausmann, Personnel
Ahsia Spencer, Librarian
Melissa McCoy, Publicity, Concerto Competition
Donations
Scruffy City Orchestra is a community orchestra and relies on the generosity of our community for its funding. If you’d like to contribute, please scan or click on the QR code below. Thank you!
