The Bastrop Community Chorus and Orchestra will resume rehearsals at the Lumberyard Music Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19 for the chorus, all in preparation for Christmas concerts. Anyone interested in playing or singing in either of the ensembles, or supporting in other ways, may contact conductor Jeff Brister at 321-PLAY(7529). Rehearsals are held at the Lumberyard Music Hall at 1109 Main St.

“The orchestra is in need of string players for sure, and we certainly could use some depth in the other sections as well,” Brister said. There are approximately 40 members of the orchestra and 40 singers in the chorus. Resuming after a brief hiatus for the summer after its successful performances at the Lumberyard Music Hall and at Fisherman’s Park for the Fourth of July celebration, the chorus and orchestra will also hold open auditions through the month of August.

“All one need do is show up on Thursday at the Lumberyard Music Hall and join in a rehearsal and then see me afterwards for a brief audition,” Brister said. “It has always been our dream to perform at, and hopefully enhance, some of the tremendous and varied civic events we enjoy in Bastrop County, and we intend to have at least three big concerts a year.” Brister indicated that this year’s Christmas concert will feature the works of English composer John Rutter. “We will be performing the Rutter-Gloria and a delightful set of carols arranged by Rutter, both with orchestra.”

The Bastrop Community Chorus and Orchestra recently incorporated and with the help of local attorney David Knoll received its tax-exempt 501c3 status. “We hope that through some charitable donations and some hard work on our part we can offer the community some high quality musical arts and an outlet for young people and adults who have untapped musical talents,” Brister said. “So dig around in that closet and find that old fiddle or dust off those vocal chords and come on out and join the chorus and orchestra and make some beautiful music together.”