About the Orchestra
Our history, mission, and the people who make the music happen.
Our Story
Founded in 2009
The Boone County Community Orchestra was founded in 2009 with a simple but powerful idea: bring together musicians of all ages and skill levels to share the joy of orchestral music in our community.
What began as a modest ensemble has grown over the years into a vibrant, inclusive organization that has hosted over 300 musicians. We welcome everyone from young students — some as young as nine years old — to retired professionals, all playing side by side.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors, and we rely on the generous support of our community, sponsors, and volunteers to continue our mission.
What We Stand For
Our Mission
"The Boone County Community Orchestra is committed to providing a professional musical and educational experience for musicians of all ages from Boone and surrounding counties — a true side-by-side experience where youth and adults inspire and learn from one another."
Side-by-Side
Youth and adult musicians share stands, learning from each other in a mentoring environment.
Education First
We provide professional instruction in an organized, engaged setting that culminates in public performance.
Community Rooted
Serving Boone County and surrounding communities, we are proud to be part of the fabric of Lebanon, Indiana.
Leadership
Artistic Director
Barb Springer
Barb Springer is a proud alumna of the Lebanon High School music program. She studied music education at Butler University and graduated with highest honors in that field.
She has taught at Tri-West Jr.–Sr. High School, Lebanon High School, and for twenty years at Lebanon Middle School. Barb has directed the Boone County Community Band for many years and is thrilled to continue her work with the Boone County Community Orchestra.
Under Barb's direction, the orchestra presents four concerts each year, bringing live orchestral music to Boone County audiences across all seasons.
Governance
Board of Directors
The Boone County Community Orchestra is governed by a volunteer board of directors committed to sustaining and growing orchestral music in Boone County, Indiana.
Catheryn Ferguson
Catheryn (Cati) Ferguson grew up in Lebanon where she was homeschooled and participated in 4-H, piano festivals, and church band and choir. She has been part of multiple bands, orchestras, and traveling choirs, and has studied several instruments to varying levels since she was nine years old.
Cati has been teaching music for 17 years, starting in high school as a student piano teacher for Family Music Studio. She graduated from Johnson University Florida in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Musical Arts, and then from the University of Central Florida in 2017 with a Master of Arts in Music with a focus in Piano Pedagogy.
Cati founded Cornerstone Music Studio in July 2022 where she teaches piano, guitar, violin, ukulele, and voice. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Music at Johnson University Florida, Seminole State College, and the University of Central Florida, teaching Music Appreciation, Class Piano (levels 1–4), and Music Theory Lab (levels 1–4).
Natalee Baker
Board Member
Natalee is the parent of one of our violin players. She keeps rehearsals running smoothly by managing sign-up sheets, distributing music, and designing concert flyers for the community.
Amanda Kercheval
Board Member
Amanda manages the orchestra's website, email communications, and serves as the orchestra's music librarian — keeping our growing library of scores organized and accessible for every season.
Amy Morrison
Board Member
Amy is the newest member of the board and served as the primary organizer of the Boone County Symphony Celebrates America's 250th — our community-wide 4th of July concert event.
Interested in serving on the board? Get in touch with us.
Be Part of the Music
Wind, string, and percussion players of all levels are welcome. Join us for the next season.
How to Join