RICHMOND, INDIANA — Richmond Community Orchestra will perform a medley of music at its early spring concert at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 5, in Goddard Auditorium in Earlham College’s Carpenter Hall, 801 National Road W., Richmond, Indiana.

Admission is free; donation jars will be available afterward if patrons would like to help the all-volunteer orchestra with its expenses.

In addition to several performances for area residents each year, RCO provides free group violin lessons and loans instruments to local children. This year’s partner organizations are Townsend Community Center Inc. and Preble Arts in Eaton.

RCO’s musicians range from high schoolers to retirees in Wayne, Preble, Darke and Union counties. Some have taught music and others have worked in careers including medicine, dentistry and information technology. Jay Conard, a Preble County resident, serves as music director.

The idea for the orchestra developed in Fall 2008 when musicians playing for a Richmond Civic Theatre production wondered if they could get together more often to rehearse and perform a variety of music.

The orchestra’s next concert is set for 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at the Eaton Commmunity Schools Performing Arts Center.

For more information, visit the orchestra’s Facebook page or website rcoindiana.org.