The Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra will kick off its 2026 season with a spring concert titled "Just for Fun - Favorites" at 7 p.m. April 18.
The performance, sponsored by the Willow Springs Arts Council, will be held at the Historic Star Theater in downtown Willow Springs. Tickets will be available at the door for $10 each, and children younger than 5 will be admitted for free.
Organizers said the concert will feature widely recognizable pieces. The musical lineup includes "Pirates of the Caribbean," "The Pink Panther," "Pinball Wizard," "Nights in White Satin," "Bohemian Rhapsody" and medleys such as "Doors on Tour" and "Eagles on Tour.”
Jodie Forbes, who has lived in the region for more than 40 years, will conduct the performance. Forbes has served as the orchestra's musical director and conductor since 2017. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Music in education from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University in Ohio. She has previously taught music in Cabool, Houston and Willow Springs, and currently provides private lessons for the Stars Foundation.
The Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra has served the area since 2009. The organization is currently seeking new members, specifically noting a need for more string players. The full orchestra and its smaller ensembles are also available to book for outside performances.
Musicians interested in joining the group can contact Brandy Taylor at 417-259-7634 or Jodie Forbes at 417-217-0542. For more information about the concert or the organization, visit www.willowspringsartscouncil.org or find the Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra on Facebook.
