On Dec.10, The Bonners Ferry Community Orchestra, directed by Glenda Novinger, performed a free holiday concert celebrating their 50th anniversary together. The concert was called, ‘A Christmas Jubilee’ and featured a variety of music of the season.

Founded in 1973, the Bonners Ferry Community Orchestra is still going strong and is as important to the community as ever.

This year’s concert was a tribute to the musicians who founded the orchestra, to thank them for their vision and commitment to the community, Janet Peterson, orchestra member said. 

The performance included video clips from interviews of these founders. The full interviews can be seen online at bonnersferryorchestra.org

In addition to the wonderful performance and the video clips, Board member Sharon Fitzgerald presented a plaque to Bob Saboe. Saboe is the only original member still playing in the orchestra. He plays in the orchestra's trombone section, still as strong as he did fifty years ago in 1973. 

"He is an inspiration to all of us,” Peterson said. 

The orchestra welcomes a wide range of musicians from areas surrounding Bonners Ferry – from school-age to retired – and from beginners to professionals. New members are always welcome to join. Rehearsals will start up again February 1, 2024 and are every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Boundary County Middle School band room.