Article From TRA+C Magazine - 40 Years of the Tar River Orchestra and Chorus
- Makenzie Page
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
For nearly four decades, the Tar River Orchestra & Chorus has been enriching the cultural fabric of Rocky Mount and Eastern North Carolina through the power of music.
Founded in 1986, the organization was created with a simple but ambitious vision: to bring together the region's talented musicians while providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn, perform, and experience live music. What began as a community orchestra and chorus has since grown into a family of ensembles that continue to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences throughout the Twin Counties.
Today, the Tar River Orchestra & Chorus includes the Tar River Orchestra, Tar River Chorus, Tar River Children's Chorus, Tar River Swing Band, and Tar River Strings. Together, these groups provide performance opportunities for musicians of all ages while helping preserve and promote musical education across the region.
One of the organization's most lasting contributions has been its commitment to young musicians. Through educational programs, competitions, and performance opportunities, generations of students have been introduced to the joy of music and given the opportunity to develop their talents. The Tar River Children's Chorus, in particular, has become a cornerstone of the organization's educational mission, performing at prestigious venues throughout the East Coast while representing Rocky Mount on a larger stage.
The opening of the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts in 1996 provided the organization with a permanent home and strengthened its longstanding partnership with North Carolina Wesleyan University. Since then, the Tar River Orchestra & Chorus has continued to grow its impact, offering high-quality performances ranging from classical masterworks and choral favorites to jazz, swing, and contemporary arrangements.
As the organization celebrates its 40th anniversary, its legacy is evident not only in the performances it presents, but in the countless musicians, students, and audience members whose lives have been enriched through music.
What began as a vision to bring people together through the arts has become one of Eastern North Carolina's most enduring cultural institutions—one that continues to strengthen community pride, foster artistic excellence, and inspire future generations.
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the advertisers whose support helped make this publication possible:
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