Letter from the Executive Director

As we gather for Sax & The Symphony, I’m reminded of what makes this organization happen. It’s not just the music on stage, but the people behind it.

To the parents who are already showing up, supporting rehearsals, encouraging practice at home, and choosing to invest time in your child’s musical growth, thank you. With so many opportunities competing for attention, your decision to prioritize music education is meaningful. It shapes discipline, confidence, and creativity in ways that last far beyond any single performance.

We’re also proud of the students on this stage. Their commitment, their progress, and their willingness to be part of something larger than themselves is what drives this work forward. This orchestra exists because students choose it, families support it, and a community continues to believe in its value.

This concert is especially exciting as we welcome Anthony Saxson, a local artist whose roots in music began in church, playing alongside family. Today, through his work with Anthony Saxson Entertainment, LLC, he brings that same sense of connection and artistry to audiences across Columbus. It’s a privilege for our students to share the stage with someone who represents both musical excellence and a strong connection to community.

Moments like this don’t happen on their own. They are built over time through consistency, support, and a shared belief that this work matters.

Thank you for being part of it.

Sincerely,
Megan Wetzel
Columbus Cultural Orchestra

The Orchestra:

Conducted by Norman Murri-Cardwell

Featuring Guest Artist: Anthony Saxson

Violin I

Anna McCracken

Claudia Bowles

Chris Shaw

Nic Lacy

Megan Wetzel

Violin II

Amiyah Mattox

Sarayu Gade

Robyn Jackson

Kevin Hagens

Viola

Aaron Pearson

Myken Thomas

Chloe Moore

Arman Bhargava

Cello

Elias Golla

Duduca Taborda

Bass

Donovan Egelhoff

Megan Pantchev

Debut Students

Violin

Emerson Cole

Chase Williams

Addie Braxton

Amiyah Mattox

Cello

Elias Golla

Gregory Adams

Bass

Taylor Mattox

Celebrate with Juneteenth Jams—original student beats & songwriting, plus orchestra favorites chosen by the students!

Wanna Join the Classical Crossover Crew? 🎶

We’re not your average orchestra. At the Columbus Cultural Orchestra (CCO), we teach strings with a hip hop heartbeat, blending classical training with the music students actually love, like R&B, jazz, hip hop, and original tracks they help create.

This is music education remixed:

✅ Learn violin, viola, cello, or bass from top-tier instructors

✅ Build skills in improv, composition, and GarageBand production

✅ Perform music by Black composers and legendary artists

✅ Get paid for rehearsals, concerts, and gigs

✅ Be part of a team where every voice matters

Debut Strings is for beginners and intermediate beginners.

Columbus Cultural Orchestra is for intermediate and advanced players.

Whether your child dreams of performing, composing, or just wants a creative outlet, they’ll gain confidence, discipline, and community that lasts a lifetime.

The Program

Luther

Kendrick Lamar/Arr. Stephen Spottswood

Pink & White

Frank Ocean/Arr. Nic Lacy

Fast Car

Tracy Chapman/Arr. Nic Lacy

Maggot Brain Improv

Funkadelic

Kendrick Larmar Medley

Humble. Not Like Us. Poetic Justice/Arr. Asa Simpson-Cole

Intermission

Debut Performance

It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)

Duke Ellington/Arr. Jack L.

Boricua

Stephen Spottswood

Carless Whisper

George Michael/Arr. Sean Perry

Ft. Anthony Saxson

Smooth Operator

Sade/Arr. Sean Perry

Ft. Anthony Saxson

Afro Blue

Robert Glasper/Arr. Asa Simpson-Cole

Ft. Anthony Saxson

Really Love

D’Angelo and The Vanguard/Arr. Asa Simpson-Cole

Ft. Anthony Saxson

Heavn

Jamila Woods/Arr. Asa Simpson-Cole

Ft. Anthony Saxson

Love Galore

SZA/Arr. Stephen Spottswood

ENCORE! Let’s Hear IT!

Worth It!

Fifth Harmony/Arr. Asa Simpson-Cole

Ft. Anthony Saxson

Special Thank You

Brian Kozicki - Lights and Sound

Ray Bruster - Videography

Tim Perdue - Photographer

All Our Parent Volunteers!

Audience Evaluation

🎤 We wanna hear from YOU! Tell us what hit right or what we could level up.

Filling out our audience evaluation form helps us keep the shows fresh, turn up the quality, and most importantly, secure those grants so we can keep bringing this fire to the stage.

🎯 Your feedback = better concerts + more opportunities for our musicians.

Thank you for being part of the Classical Crossover Crew. 💛🖤

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Support CCO

Thank you for your Donation

Agnes Cox

Cynthia Ruccia

Sharon Oppenheimer

Tricia Farbacher

Heather Spencer

Kelly McLennon

Ludia Dorelien

Cena Baker

Barbara Dukes

Eileen Crosbie

Carlos Philpott

Jihan Thomas

Deborah Price

Sharon Rice

Mary Nelson

Elena Smith

Alexis I Douglas

JIhan Thomas

Lisa Adams

Ashton Hood

Kevin Andrew

Donovan Egelhoff