Orchard Lake Philharmonic Society history…
Since Judith Moslak retired from teaching music in Farmington Public Schools, she devotes a large part of her time and energy to duo-piano playing and performance. Interested in being accompanied by a chamber orchestra when playing Bach and Mozart multiple-piano concerti and other chamber music, Ms. Moslak brought together musicians throughout the Detroit area to her home for Saturday Soirees. These soirees featured a full variety of music, with musicians of all ages joining in to play solos, duets, and trios, and concerti for two, three and four pianos. Most were accompanied by the Pebble Creek Chamber Orchestra, all done with a morning rehearsal and a performance that same afternoon.
When the attendance increased and the PCCO outgrew Ms. Moslak’s living room, she looked to Madonna University, where she is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Music Education, to find a rehearsal room and performance venue for the growing orchestra, Rehearsal and performance space was available at Madonna University/St. Mary Center in Orchard Lake. The Orchard Lake Philharmonic Society was born, with the hope of creating two orchestras: a professional and a community orchestra.
Once incorporated, and receiving approval as a Non-Profit Corporation, on May 8, 2007, the OLPS Board of Directors went forward and scheduled rehearsals and performance dates for not only the community orchestra, but expanded the performing groups to include an community concert band and jazz orchestra. In partnership with Oakland Community College and Madonna University, students will receive college credit for participation in our groups. The Community Orchestra rehearses at Orchard Ridge Campus of OCC in Farmington Hills. The Community Band and Jazz Orchestra will rehearse at Madonna University/St. Mary Center in Orchard Lake.
The fifth group planned is a professional orchestra, also rehearsing and performing at the same location. This professional orchestra is still in the early stages and is not ready to hire musicians as of this date.
We are very excited about all of these groups and believe there are lots of talented musicians in the area looking to be part of a new organization. Adults eighteen and older are all encouraged to join both the community orchestra and community concert band. Whether you have been playing for years, or just wish to get back into an orchestra or band, if you will make the time to practice the music, attend the rehearsals and participate in our concerts, then this is the place for you! High School students in the 11th or 12th grade are also encouraged to join the Community Jazz Orchestra, with permission from their school band instructor.
