About Us

The Big Bend Community Orchestra (BBCO) is dedicated to the enhanced appreciation and understanding of orchestral music by providing an opportunity for musicians to play and learn together, encouraging school age children to become interested in music through educational programs, and performing orchestral music for the public. The BBCO is an all volunteer organization and consists of more than fifty musicians of all ages from many walks of life including retirees, business leaders, professionals, homemakers, music teachers, and students who enjoy playing orchestral literature. Waldie Anderson was the founding director from February 1994 through 2004 with Dr. James Croft leading the organization from 2004-2007. Dr. Shelby Chipman has been the director since the fall of 2007. The BBCO is now affiliated with Tallahassee Community College and students can receive credit with the permission of the instructor. Post-secondary students can transfer the credit to another institution.

 The BBCO has presented more than 64 concerts and played over 280 different compositions by a wide variety of composers spanning four centuries including standard and lesser-known masterpieces of the orchestral repertoire as well as lighter classics and “pops”. A variety of local talent has been showcased including soloists of all ages from the orchestra itself as well as from the community. Each spring a “Young Artist Competition” is held and the winners have a chance to perform a solo with the orchestra. Concerts are scheduled at 4:00 so that senior citizens and families with children can easily attend. Children in the audience are often given the opportunity to come on stage while the orchestra is playing so they can see and hear the instruments “up close and personal”.

 Membership in the orchestra is open to all capable musicians on a space available basis with first priority given to adult community members and non-music major university students who are not eligible for school groups. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 7:15 - 9:30 p.m. (September-March) in the Band Room at TCC (Room 165 in the Communication & Humanities Building). A short dress rehearsal is held on concert days before the 4:00 performance. Anyone interested in joining the orchestra is asked to contact the BBCO Vice-President (ginnyden@comcast.net) or call 850- 893-4567 for details.

 Besides being affiliated with the Tallahassee Community College, the BBCO is sponsored by The Artist Series, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization (www.theartistseries. org). Tax-deductible contributions that help support both the BBCO and the Artist Series are encouraged and very much appreciated.

Please join us as a member of the orchestra or as a member of the audience.

About the BBCO Conductors:

Dr. Shelby Chipman, who holds degrees from Florida A & M University, the University of Illinois, and Florida State University, is a highly regarded conductor and clinician.  He is the Associate Director of Bands and the Conductor of the FAMU String Ensemble and Orchestra. 

Mr. Ed Kawakami is currently working on the M.M. in Orchestra Conducting with Dr. Alexander Jimenez.  He has 10 years of experience in conducting in California and has worked as a freelance conductor with several independent sountrack credits to his name.