• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Presidential!We Are Generous!We Are Having Fun!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Orchestra

By MarionMade! on November 8, 2018

Believing in Local Music

Marion Area Orchestra (MAO) is an amateur string orchestra founded to provide a musical performance outlet for violinists, violists, cellists and bassists in the Marion, Ohio area.  Some of the volunteers are local school orchestra members and home schooled young people, but mostly adults numbering forty-three total people at this time.

MAO was a “pipe dream” of George Schram’s for about 30 years.  He played trombone in the Marion Concert Band for over 50 years and enjoyed the musical outlet.  But having taught string orchestra in the River Valley and Marion City schools, it bothered him that former students who played stringed instruments had no ensemble in which to perform.  This gave birth to MAO and though it is a string instrument only group now, some day it may add winds and percussion and evolve into a symphony orchestra.

MAO had its first rehearsal on September 1, 2016 at River Valley High School.  They now rehearse at Grant Middle School with the intent to present a couple of performance a year in the community.  In the past two performances, to honor local veterans, were held at Marion First Presbyterian Church. MAO also paid tribute to volunteers from Marion General Hospital with a performance at the Palace Theatre.  Last spring the performance featured the Marion Music Club Chorale and local artist, Beth Cumbie, flutist at River Valley High School auditorium.

They have two more performance scheduled at the River Valley auditorium on November 18th and in the spring on May 5th.   You can find out more about these programs by following their Facebook page.  

#marionmade   #WeAreMarionAreaOrchestra    #WeAreMusicians

 

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • The Inspiration for Marion’s Name: The Swamp Fox, Revolutionary War General

    Marion’s founders had one hero in mind when naming the city: Revolutionary War General Francis Marion, nicknamed the “Swamp Fox.” “He is mentioned in a few of the early Marion County History books. The reason we are named Marion is a tribute to this extraordinary general,” said Brandi Wilson, executive director of the Marion County […]Read More »
  • 4-H

    4-H Builds Leadership Skills for Life As the largest youth development program in Ohio, 4-H enables youth to become contributing members of society by developing life and leadership skills in partnership with caring adults. With a focus on head, heart, hands, and health, youth have the opportunity to participate in develop their own pathway within […]Read More »
  • Volunteering in Marion County

    In 2017, Marion Ohio participated in a county-wide reading event choosing the book, “This Is Where You Belong-The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live” by Melody Warnick.  Many of the principles shared in the book are core values for the MarionMade! program, with volunteering in the community being one. Last year MarionMade! […]Read More »
  • Local Referral Group Sees ROI

    Shopping local and supporting area businesses is the sole focus of one community group. For nearly 20 years, the Marion Business Builders Chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) has worked to support others and refer customers to local members they know, like, and trust. Investing time in weekly meetings has paid off huge dividends for […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image