Meet Jan Booth of Christian Community Orchestra in Douglas County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jan Booth.

Mrs. Booth has never played the bassoon. In fact, she’s not sure she would know how to put one together. Yet, when it comes to music, that’s likely one of the very few things she doesn’t know how to do.

She started playing piano and singing since she was four, Mrs. Booth eventually learned to play an awe-inspiring 20 instruments, many of which she picked up as a child in public school music programs in Castro Valley, California. Fast forward through a stint in the Oakland Youth Symphony Orchestra, a college degree in music, a teaching position for seven years, a relocation to Douglasville, not to mention 50 years of marriage with her husband, Ken, plus homeschooling 10 children of her own, and today you have a lady making a significant impact on the West Georgia music scene. Not only does she teach private music to students each year–some of whom have become musicians and teachers, themselves–but she is a founding member of the Celebration String Quartet 17 years ago (playing viola) and she is the founder and director of the 60-piece Christian Community Orchestra for 26 years.

Mrs. Booth denies she has natural talent, saying she has “a natural interest” instead. “I had to work at everything,” she insists. “Part of what makes a good teacher is when it doesn’t come easily.”

Things changed for Douglas County in 1992 when Jan Booth received a phone call looking for someone to lead a group of children to form a children’s orchestra. The small group of 5 young children in that original ensemble has grown to a group of 60-70 musicians ranging in age from about 10 years old up into their 80s.

“There’s nothing else like us out here”, says Mrs. Booth. “No group like ours where kids and adults play together producing fantastic programs.” The orchestra includes woodwins, brass, string, percussion, harp, and other special instrumentation.

An Elementary String Orchestra was formed by Mrs. Booth in the summer of 2015 for string players who were learning to play and for those who used to play violin, viola, cello or string bass and are desiring to improve their skills playing in a group. This 20 member ensemble includes all ages also and plays on the CCO concerts, sometimes with the full orchestra.

The CCO continues accepting members who can play at an intermediate level or above. Two concerts are scheduled each year, one in December and one in May, with both held at Douglasville’s Central Baptist Church.

The music includes Christian, patriotic and classical that is familiar to the audience. The military is always recognized at each concert. Special music including solos and ensembles highlight instruments and musicians. Some music is also directed to the interest of the children in attendance. There is never a charge for a concert, nor a need for a ticket (although the sanctuary is getting quite full), and no offering is taken. A big reception follows each concert where a fellowship with players and audience takes place.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of the main obstacles was to manage the growth. We began in the old First Baptist Church in Douglasville with 5 children and we played a few times in their services. In 2 years, we needed to move to a new location which was the local library. We grew to about 12 teenagers–the children were growing up. Some people would move to the wall next to the room where we were rehearsing to read as they listened. This is where our first 2 adults joined the “Youth Orchestra”. As we grew, we had a temporary location in the old courthouse which was being renovated for other uses. We are thankful for that temporary location because it kept us together. Then another church, First United Methodist Church offered us a place to rehearse and have concerts. Our name changed to “Christian Community Orchestra”. We grew to about 25 players which included young people and adults. Our audiences grew more. We were welcomed at Central Baptist Church and have been there for about 18 years. They have allowed us to rehearse weekly and have 2 large concerts a year. As we have grown, our orchestra has been moved to different areas to rehearse. The church as given us a storage room, too. We have continued to grow and have had over 70 players on a concert and over 600 in the audience. The spirit, when this group meets, is wonderful as they work together.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Christian Community Orchestra plays music that honors the Lord and encourages the community. The military is regularly honored with special music for them and recognition. Some music is specifically played for the children in the audience. We have solos for bringing each special sound to the people to let them hear the uniqueness of each instrument and to learn something, about them. Recently concerts have had tuba, string bass, classical guitar, harp, violin, viola, flute, clarinet, oboe, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, and typewriter. Yes, a typewriter with violin duet supported by the CCO. We have also had a jug band called “The Blowhards”, pian, organ, and singers. The CCO has played trios, duets, quartets and quintets of various instrumentation. The audience continues to let me know that they really like the surprising variety of music and talent. Some of our specials are played by adults who have played for years and some by excellent young players.

Our audience is surprised by the wonderful full orchestra sound when they see young people and adult s playing next to each other. The cost for most groups is substantial and are supported by the monetary gifts from many businesses and individuals. We stand alone with a single fee of $20 per person per season. With no charge for concerts, no tickets, and no offering taken. How is this done? We are all volunteers and are careful with our budget. God blesses us.

We also have ensembles that play in different venues during the year in senior centers, city and county activities. Often a patriotic program is requested. We have been honored with Elana Meyers Taylor, Olympic medal and world competition winner giving an encouraging message of success to the audience.

What were you like growing up?
I was and still am somewhat, a very quiet person. I have always been busy doing something, whether learning a new instrument, hiking with my dad, sewing and doing other needlecraft with my mom, or playing quietly with my brother, Richard. I have not sought the spotlight but love the people in the CCO and our audiences. My parents died in an auto accident in 1973 and never got to see what their efforts grew into. They also never knew 9 of their 10 grandchildren. I was not even a slightly organized person as I grew up but and very organized husband plus 10 children makes a great learning experience. I have been learning how to juggle a busy life–music students, playing in the Celebration String Quartet about 30 weddings and other occasions a year, the Christian Community Orchestra, the Elementary String Orchestra, playing in other churches with their groups, and adding this year the Atlanta Praise Choir and Orchestra. During the summer, I am certified by the Red Cross to teach swimming. My special interest is with those adults and young people who are afraid of the water, and those who are embarrassed that they do not know how to swim. Only individual lessons.

Pricing:

• $20 per person for a season of Christian Community Orchestra players
• $10 per person for a season of Elementary Orchestra

Contact Info:

• Address: Central Baptist Church
  5811 Central Church Road
  Douglasville, Georgia 30135
• Website: www.christiancommunityorchestra.org
• Phone: 770-942-3381 or 770-286-0431
• Email: janboothmusic@yahoo.com

Image Credit:
Blake Sauders
Yvonne Payn

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