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
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