- October 19, 2022
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After Maria and Marty Fullam moved to the Country Club in Lakewood Ranch 18 months ago, it took them just three months to connect with Strings Con Brio.
Maria plays the violin, and Marty plays the bass and they were looking for a volunteer ensemble where they would feel comfortable.
On May 19, the couple was among 40 musicians with Strings Con Brio, which performed as part of the Sights and Sounds series at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch.
“We invited all of our neighbors and all the people I work with,” Maria Fullam said.
Strings Con Brio performs five shows a year, and each show takes about 12 rehearsals in preparation. For Sights and Sounds, they performed an homage to Rodgers and Hammerstein including songs from “South Pacific,” “The King and I” and “The Sound of Music.”
Country Club East resident and budding cellist Rob Bard was in the audience with his wife Mary.
“My teacher wanted me to join (Strings Con Brio), but COVID hit and things went south,” Bard said. “I said to him, ‘I’m a beginner,’ but he said, ‘That’s how you’ll learn.’ I’m here for the music tonight, but this might motivate me to join.”
Strings Con Brio accepts members of all ages and abilities. Prospective members will be asked to perform for Conductor Kenneth Bowermeister and Executive Director Monica Sirocchi, but it’s not an auditioned orchestra. The performance is only to figure out where a new member should be seated.
To join, send a message through the orchestra's website, StringsConBrio.org. Every applicant receives a welcome note in return.