The All Seasons Orchestra — The Redwood Coast’s Community Orchestra
Most every Saturday morning from 10 to noon, musicians gather to rehearse at the Eureka Woman’s Club.
The All Seasons Orchestra is a community orchestra that welcomes musicians of all ages and skills, as well as non-musician members who are the working heart of our organization.
The All Seasons Orchestra (ASO) performs six free concerts per year, including the Fortuna Christmas Festival. George and Ann Rodden, both passionate about music, formed the group in 1986. When they retired and moved to Northern California, they started mentoring young musicians and developed a community orchestra that has inspired North Coast musicians and audiences for 40 years.
Over time, the ASO has constantly evolved from a small and diverse age orchestra sponsored by the City of Arcata into an independent non-profit now based at the Eureka Women’s Club. In 2022, we joined in partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt’s Humboldt Symphony and became the Partnership in Music Orchestra (PMO), with music director/conductor Garrick Woods and concertmaster Holly MacDonell.
Generous patrons support the orchestra both financially and with hands-on participation. To join, musicians should be able to read music and have a firm grasp of basic skills and fundamentals of their chosen instruments. Those who don’t play an instrument can become supporting members with behind-the-scenes opportunities to participate.
Non-musician members of the orchestra serve on our Board of Directors, pitch in with our energetic “roadie” group, transporting equipment to remote performance venues. Others arrange flowers or serve intermission snacks and sweets at concerts. There is always a need for property maintenance and a paid part-time position is currently open for a music librarian.
Dues are always optional and tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated. This year’s Fall performance will be Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at Cal Poly Humboldt’s Fulkerson Hall. Visit allseasonsorchestra.org for more information, or contact Don Bicknell at 707-599-4691; don.w.bicknell@gmail.com.
J.A.J. Aronoff of Bayside is publicity chair of the All Seasons Orchestra.
