Windsor Community Orchestra runs out of money, last concert will be April 12

The Windsor Community Orchestra will play its final note April 12. It can no longer afford to operate.

The orchestra, currently in its 32nd season, has simply run out of money, says board member Robert Kiborn, a trumpet player who has played in the orchestra for 26 years.

Kiborn says no one has been able to cover the orchestra's financial shortfall.

He calls the situation very disappointing, particularly for the students at the University of Windsor, some of whom play in the orchestra for credit.

The 45-member orchestra is comprised of about 30 students and 15 community players and is the de facto orchestra of the University of Windsor's School of Creative Arts.

Kiborn says the only way the orchestra could be salvaged is for an "angel" to give them a donation of $12,000 a year.

"We're a small group without huge name recognition. It's just not been fruitful for us," Kiborn said.
Kiborn started playing in the orchestra when he was a student at the University of Windsor. Many of his Tuesday nights, from September through April, have largely been occupied with the orchestra

"It's going to leave leave a void," he said.