The West Seattle Community Orchestra is about to bid farewell to its founder.

Dr. Toni Reineke announced her retirement from conducting during WSCO’s 10th Anniversary Concert Celebration last month. a celebration of her time and commitment to the organization will follow the Symphony Concert Finale June 11 at Chief Sealth International High School.

The video clip is of the original WestSide Symphonette from 2009.

Dr. Reineke with the late Kathleen Hunt founded the community orchestra with just 16 student musicians and began inviting adult musicians to form The Westside Symphonette.

With the help of community supporters and other local musicians, WSCO continues this legacy of community music-making in mixed-age groups. The West Seattle Community Orchestras roster has grown to three orchestras featuring 180 members and 4 conductors. WSCO also caters to beginning adult musicians by offering classes in wind, percussion, and string instruments. These classes are a great opportunity for adults to learn an instrument or brush up those skills. Dr. Reineke leads the Beginning Adult Winds and Percussion class.

Season Finale: “Spring Into Summer” concert and Retirement Celebration for Dr. Toni Reinke will be held at the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium 2600 SW Thistle St in West Seattle.

Free admission; donations of any size are welcomed; Doors open 6:30pm, concert begins at 7:00pm.

For more information about The West Seattle Community Orchestras: www.WSCOrchestras.org