Vision Statement
To inspire community in the St. Croix Valley through the joy of creating and experiencing live orchestral music.
Mission Statement
The mission of the St. Croix Valley Orchestra is to enrich the cultural life of Northwest Wisconsin and Eastern Central Minnesota by providing high-quality orchestral performances for audiences throughout the St. Croix Valley and beyond. We are dedicated to fostering musical growth and excellence among instrumental musicians, creating opportunities for artistic collaboration, education, and lifelong learning. Through performance and outreach, we seek to inspire appreciation, awareness, and enjoyment of fine orchestral music in our communities.
Our Story
In December 1991, something special happened at the Auditorium Theatre in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. A Messiah sing-along brought together a group of volunteer musicians who discovered a shared joy in making music together. By the end of the evening, they realized they did not want the experience to end.
Within weeks, that spark became the St. Croix Valley Orchestra. The ensemble was formally organized and incorporated, and with the help of an early grant from the East Central Minnesota Arts Council, rehearsals soon began. What started as a single evening of music has grown into a vibrant regional orchestra serving communities throughout the St. Croix Valley.
From the beginning, the orchestra has been a volunteer-driven ensemble united by a simple but meaningful mission; to bring high-quality orchestral performances to communities across Minnesota and Wisconsin, to strengthen the musical skills of its members, and to foster a lasting appreciation for orchestral music throughout the region.
A Place for Musicians
The orchestra provides a rare opportunity for amateur and professional musicians living in rural Wisconsin and Minnesota to perform together in a fully orchestrated, professionally directed ensemble. Musicians from a wide range of backgrounds and experience level come together to share their love of orchestral music and to grow as performers.
Since its beginning, the orchestra has provided quality concerts in communities throughout the region, offering these performances free of charge to ensure that everyone has access to live orchestral music.
Join the Orchestra
The Saint Croix Valley Orchestra rehearses weekly from September through June at the St. Croix Falls High School on Mondays at 7:00 PM. Musicians who are interested in performing with the ensemble are warmly invited to contact us. Instrument openings vary throughout the season, so please reach out to learn whether there is currently a place available for your instrument with the St. Croix Valley Orchestra
Becoming a SCVO Association Member
Orchestra musicians are warmly encouraged to become members of the St. Croix Valley Orchestra Association. Annual membership dues of $25 help support the orchestra’s activities and sustain its mission. Membership also provides voting rights and the opportunity to serve on the board. Board elections are held each fall at the annual meeting of members. Association membership is not required to perform in the orchestra. Members of the public are also welcome to join the St. Croix Valley Orchestra Association.
Board of Directors
Joel Anderson, President (Amery, WI)
Richard Penttilla, Vice President (Wyoming, MN)
Ilga Melo, Secretary (New Richmond, WI)
Cheryl Clemens, Treasurer (Rice Lake, WI)
Justin Hosking (Amery, WI)
Kathryn Paulson (Amery, WI)