Charles Bontrager starts his second season at the podium in October. The volunteer orchestra was founded in 1975.

You know you’re in for excitement at a classical music concert when the program notes include this:

“Lots of percussion in these pieces — vibraphones, xylophone, glockenspiel, slapstick, tom toms, temple blocks, chimes, to name a few. Plus harp, celesta, piano and everyone else.”

And that’s just the opening piece, Ron Nelson’s “Jubilee.” The 88-year-old Scottsdale resident composed the piece in 1960 for wind band. The Civic Orchestra and music director Charles Bontrager perform the concert twice this weekend: at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Green Valley’s Valley Presbyterian Church, 2800 S. Camino Del Sol; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Christ Church United Methodist, 655 N. Craycroft Road. Admission is free.


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Cathalena E. Burch