About Us

Aiken Civic Orchestra began in 2012 with the vision of providing an ensemble experience to local musicians across the greater Aiken and Central Savannah River Area. It began as a volunteer string ensemble of 12 players. After 5 years of building a reputation among string players, ACO added winds, brass, and percussion to become a full, symphonic orchestra. In February of 2018, ACO became a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. With an emphasis on featuring local talent, ACO performs about 12 programs a season with music ranging from popular to masterpieces and even contemporary works.

Mission

​Aiken Civic Orchestra provides an artistic home that engages musicians and audiences from the local communities through the performance of orchestral repertoire.

 Board members left to right – Diane Berry, Adam DePriest, Karen Wilson, Linda McLellan and Tom Dettman

Outreach

Aiken Civic Orchestra takes pride in the amount of outreach, engagement, and collaboration with the greater community. ACO has collaborated with many area vocal ensembles including Aiken Choral Society, Aiken Singers, Augusta Chorale, Belles Canto, Columbia County (GA) Choral Society, Columbia (SC) Choral Society, South Boundary Singers, and church choirs from Cornerstone Baptist, St. John’s United Methodist, and St. Paul Lutheran. ACO has also partnered with Aiken Youth Orchestras, Carolina Academy of Music, Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, South Carolina Suzuki Institute, as well as USC Aiken and the All-Steinway campaign. CO has also performed for the CSRA Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration. ACO has also collaborated with the Aiken Composers’ Guild. A particular source of pride for ACO is to musically enrich and invest in the lives of young musicians, making a positive and lasting impact.

Go here to see the many ways ACO works with other organizations in our community.