By DAVID A. WILSON
Democrat Staff
The California Community Ensemble, which began in 2003 with eight members and a church tour, is celebrating 10 years with a special concert at the historic Finke Theatre on Sunday, July 7, at 3 p.m.
The current group, the "house band" of the Finke Theatre, has 20 members and features a balance instrumental group. In addition to clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone, the ensemble includes bassoon and French Horn.
The concert of patriotic music is a celebration of a decade of "making music in Moniteau County."
The performance will feature soloist Stacy Friedrich.
Director Phil Lewis said the group features performers from high school to beyond retirement. The youngest are Simon Schroeter and Tristan Oppermann.
Because of the special performance, the church tour for the year will only be at three churches.
The group practices every Thursday night at 8 p.m. at the Finke Theatre.