The Moore Philharmonic Orchestra, a hometown orchestra which helps prepare Moore County students for the world's stages, announces its eighth concert season.

The first concert will be the annual holiday concert, which will be held on Dec. 9, at the Sunrise Theater (250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines).

The annual spring concert will be held on April 21, at Owens Auditorium on the campus of Sandhills Community College.

The Moore Philharmonic Orchestra provides the opportunity for advancing students (eighth grade and above) to perform in a full orchestra setting alongside experienced adult musicians.

Rehearsals are held every Thursday at Sandhills Community College from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Open rehearsals will last through September for all who are interested in finding out more about being a member of the orchestra.

Seating is available in all sections, but string, oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, French horn, trombone and percussion players are especially needed.

The Moore Philharmonic is an all-volunteer organization; no fees are required to participate. >High school and college students who qualify have the opportunity to earn course credits toward their education.

It is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization and relies on individual and business contributions to cover operating and general expenses and to support a robust scholarship fund benefiting Moore County music students.

The orchestra is a member of the Moore County Arts Council and the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. The Moore Philharmonic Orchestra is not affiliated with the Carolina Philharmonic.

This project receives support from the Arts Council of Moore County with funds from the North Carolina Arts Council (an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources) and the National Endowment for the Arts.

More information about the concerts and other events is available by visiting the Moore Philharmonic Orchestra website at www.mporchestra.com, or on Facebook.