St. Joseph Orchestra History

The Miracle of
The Saint Joseph Orchestra

In today's generally pessimistic, "Show Me" world, many of us tend to doubt the existence of miracles. We think miracles are something that happened only in days of old when Jesus and the prophets physically walked the earth. We expect spectacular signs such as the appearance of the Virgin Mary on a hilltop in a foreign land or the imprint of our Lord Jesus on the Shroud of Turin. Even then we mutter and doubt and wonder if these things are hoaxes.

We believe that the St. Joseph Orchestra is filled with miracles...some large, some small...but miracles nevertheless. This is our story...

Approximately three years ago, a pianist and a flautist played a duet at the St. Joseph Baptist Church. Gradually, to that duet was added a clarinet and a violin, and the duet became an ensemble; later, a keyboard and bass guitar joined in; then a trombone and another clarinet. One by one, other musicians and instruments were added and the group grew and improved. Most of these people had not played "since high school" and required "some time" to "get back in practice"; however, excited enthusiasm, a love for music, and a desire to serve God through music in their churches were common inspirations. As other people heard the St. Joseph Baptist Church group (whose members were from several different churches), other miracles began to happen. More people wanted to hear the group and other musicians began wanting to play. The little duet had become a little orchestra!

Once the number of players began to increase, a conductor was needed. Eugenia Robbins, who had been a member of the original group, took on this role and has been dedicated to "growing" the group since.

The miracles continued to occur. As each additional player was "discovered", there was "a story" of how each one felt God directing him or her to this area and this group. Each member has a story to tell and in every case, the story is a testimony to God's power to overcome obstacles. Along with the music, the sharing of these testimonies has helped bond the musicians. This is occuring, even to the present.

For two years, the St. Joseph Baptist Church Orchestra (SJBC) grew and grew . . . to the point that it MULTIPLIED as of September, 1997 into two separate orchestras . . .The SJBC orchestra with approximately 18 members and the St. Joseph Orchestra which has sixty plus members. New members and instruments are constantly being welcomed into the St. Joseph Orchestra. The rate of growth is astounding.

The orchestra is a diverse group. Several members drive as far as 60 miles one-way to participate. Some of the group are "locals" and were born and raised here in Tensas Parish. The St. Joseph Orchestra is composed of people from a multitude of different backgrounds and professions. Ages range from second grade to seventy plus years. The musical expertise varies from beginner students, to those who haven't played since high school or college days, to accomplished musicians. Some of the most valuable members don't play an instrument at all . . . they serve in other, much needed capacities, such as helping with clerical work, video set-ups, and so forth. There is room for everyone! There are no religious, social or ethnic barriers in the Orchestra. Everyone is invited to become a part of this MIRACLE!

And The Miracle Continues . . .

We are presently housed in a marvelous antebellum home in St. Joseph, "The Bondurant House", where we are providing music lessons to young and old alike on a scholarship basis through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and a private corporation, Aventis Corp.
We are enrolling new members and students every day!

The Jazz Ensemble, The String Ensemble, The Concert Band, The Chamber Ensemble, and several small ensembles for performing at various community functions, churches, weddings, receptions, etc. have emerged.

We are blessed with an active "Friends of the Orchestra" group with several very dedicated volunteers.

Increased and widened support from our regional area has occured, both in Louisiana and in Mississippi.
We have formed a corporation for the promotion of all the arts: Saint Joseph Arts, Inc., and
have received our 501c(3) nonprofit status! All donations are now tax deductable!

We have completed architectural drawings, 15 acres of property and state funding for a performing arts complex to be located here in Tensas Parish.

Yes! We Believe in Miracles!