Thanks to a grant from the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the Reston Community Orchestra will construct a website promoting RCO‘s mission of providing classical music enjoyment and education in the community. 

As stated in our grant application, “A well-executed website will be a touch point between RCO and the audience community. With improved content and navigation we can go beyond dates and places to provide news about our activities and performers. The effectiveness of our social media activities will increase as we build site traffic, and better navigation and content will allow visitors to engage in other forms of communication with the orchestra, such as our Facebook page, twitter feed and bimonthly newsletter.

The website will also raise awareness of the work the orchestra does between concert dates. We will be able to more effectively publicize our community outreach activities, such as open rehearsals, reading sessions, conductor lectures, chamber music performances, and increase participation in community events such as the Reston food drive.” 

As currently posted on RCO’s website, the Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 19 at Reston Community Center- Hunters Woods, 4 p.m. continues to be RCO’s special participation in the community’s celebration   Other opportunities will also be posted on the new website providing information on contributing to and/or serving on the RCO Board of Directors

“We’re excited and thankful to now be able to afford to show a web presence of RCO that matches its musical commitment," said musical director Dingwall Fleary. "Our motto is ‘great music for a great community’ and now that will also have a great image.”

The Reston Community Orchestra has member players representing all ages and professions including retirees, advanced high school students and recent graduates.   New players, especially qualified string players, are always welcome for the director’s consideration in maintaining a balanced sound.  Volunteer board members and staff from the community are very much needed.  Participation at any level is welcome and greatly appreciated. 

The RCO is a not-for-profit organization, which is funded through advertising, contributions from members and the public, and grants such as this generous award provided by the Arts Council of Fairfax County.

Barbara Pelzner, a board member and longtime Reston resident, remarked, “The money from the grant used to enhance the  Reston Community Orchestra website is of value to all Fairfax County citizens. The concerts given are free of charge and the best bargain in entertainment and music appreciation in the county.” While no admission is charged, funds received from the freewill offerings at each concert are gratefully accepted and go to support the orchestra, local charities, and community events. 

 More from the grant application: “The Reston Community Orchestra will update its website to support current browser and device technology (e.g. tablets and smart phones). We will improve the site’s usability by employing simpler and more streamlined navigation menus and a cleaner and more readable design. We will use current website design tools (e.g., WordPress) to make the site easier to update and maintain by Orchestra personnel without requiring programming skills.

We will also improve the site’s effectiveness by aligning the graphics with our marketing materials and integrating the site with social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. “

The Arts Council of Fairfax County awarded approximately $25,000 to nine groups. Reston Community Orchestra is proud and grateful to be one of the recipients.