UPCOMING EVENTS
The Black Swamp Community Orchestra typically presents two programs per year, one in the Spring, and one in the Fall/Winter.
Spring Concert
FREE ADMISSION
Saturday, May 3, 2025 @ 2 PM
Defiance Community Auditorium (DCA)
629 Arabella Street
Defiance, OH 43512
The Black Swamp Community Orchestra is committed to connecting our communities through the power of live instrumental music. All are invited to join us as together we experience the thrill of sharing music. We are grateful for your support and look forward to seeing you at our next performance!
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ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA
Originally begun as a string quartet in early 2004, the Black Swamp Community Orchestra is now a volunteer orchestra located in northwest (Defiance) Ohio. The BSCO is comprised of community music teachers, musicians, and students. We provide a musical outlet where younger school children, college students, and older professionals can all come together to share the love of music. This unique blend of youth through wisdom brings an experience unlike any other for participants.
Scott McIntosh, Conductor
Scott McIntosh, currently president and conductor of the Black Swamp Community Orchestra, is a versatile musician with a Bachelor's degree in Bassoon Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He has performed on bassoon, saxophones, and tuba in a variety of ensembles, including the Arizona State University Wind and Jazz Ensembles and the Interlochen International Music Camp's World Youth Symphony Orchestra and its Jazz ensemble. His experience spans diverse performance styles and venues throughout the Midwest. Most recently, he served as a bassoonist at the God's Bible School music camp in Cincinnati this past summer, sharing the experience with his family, who also play various instruments. Scott is grateful for the opportunity to lead the BSCO and work with talented musicians from all backgrounds.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Dale R. Schubert, Conductor
(July 8, 1948 - Jan. 12, 2022)
Dale Schubert was a veteran music educator, teaching music in the public school for over 45 years - full time for over 30 years. He began his teaching career at Auglaize-Brown Local School in Paulding County, later moving to Defiance City Schools for over 15 years, and retiring from Napoleon Area Schools as Director of Bands after nearly 31 years of teaching.
Dale received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Ohio State University and Master of Music in Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. His studies included conducting, performance and string studies with Robert Culver, Donald E. McGinnis, Robert LeBlanc, Roland Vamos, Sylvan Ward, Victor Zajec, Roger Rocco and Thomas Fabish among others. His professional affiliations included NAfME, OMEA, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha, ASBDA and Phi Beta Mu.
Dale was an Educational Sales Representative with Rettig Music, Inc., and a clinician and consultant for Ed Sueta Music, Peapack, New Jersey. He was active as an OMEA Concert and Marching Band adjudicator, and conducted clinics with many elementary, junior high and high school bands around the country.
He performed regularly on Tuba with the Lima Area Concert Band, BrassWorks Brass Quintet and Tu-ba Fours Tuba Quartet, and conducted the annual TubaChristmas in Defiance.
Dale leaves behind a tremendous legacy, and many cherished memories for all who knew him.
Nancy S. Davis, Founder
Nancy Davis (pictured 2013 with her husband Dr. Jerry Davis) has been both a teacher and performer of piano, violin, and viola. She holds a Masters Degree in Education with Music Major from Bob Jones University, and has enjoyed a multi-faceted career in music.
In early 2004, many of Nancy's private students were progressing in their studies, and she wanted a way for them to gain valuable performance experience in front of an audience. They began rehearsals in Nancy's backyard and garage and called themselves "The Black Swamp String Ensemble". They started out by performing a summer concert at the gazebo in Oakwood, Ohio, followed by a Christmas Concert at the Defiance, OH mall; some string ensemble works, solos, and duets.
The orchestra continued to grow, and was hosted by the Stroede Center for the Arts, as well as Defiance College. Today, the Black Swamp Community Orchestra has evolved into a full orchestra, complete with wind, brass, string and percussion instruments, and the musicians perform at various venues in the Defiance, Ohio area.
The BSCO is in its 21st season (Fall 2023 - Spring 2024), and remains committed to Nancy's vision and philosophy of music, to give young people, students and adults alike an outlet with which to share their God-given gifts, and the bless the community with beautiful music. The BSCO is indebted to Mrs. Nancy Davis for her hard work, dedication, and the wealth of knowledge she has shared.
VIDEO CLIP DROP
Click the link below to share your informal video clips of the BSCO concerts, rehearsals, or related clips for us to use in marketing reels.
https://mega.nz/filerequest/ZP861Mk3_D4
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
We recognize our sponsors, whose support of the BSCO reflects an investment in the orchestra and in the well-being of the community.
Please contact us to become a sponsor.
CONTACT
Do YOU have interest in playing with the BSCO, or have other general questions? We'd be happy to help! Please fill out the form and we will reply as soon as possible.
There are no age limits to play in the BSCO, and we have a wide range of experience represented. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (see current schedule in "Members" area).
Rehearsal Location
First Baptist Church, 1399 Jefferson Ave, Defiance, OH 43512
© 2025 - Black Swamp Community Orchestra
MEMBERS AREA
WELCOME TO THE SPRING 2025 SEASON
Sheet Music & Practice Audio Tracks (Coming soon!)
Info Feed
Rehearsals will begin Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Regular location for rehearsals: First Baptist Church, 1399 Jefferson Ave, Defiance, OH 43512
Please remember to bring a pencil, your own music stand, and your black music folder from any previous concerts if you still have it.
Please print your own copies of sheet music prior to our first rehearsal, if you can.
Rehearsal Location - First Baptist Church: 1399 Jefferson Ave., Defiance, OH 43512
Rehearsal Schedule
Thursday, February 13, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm - Strings only
Thursday, February 20, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm - Strings only
Thursday, February 27, 2025~ 6:30-8:30 pm - Strings + all others who can attend
Thursday, March 6, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm - Strings + all others who can attend
Thursday, March 13, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm - Full orchestra
Thursday, March 20, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm - Full orchestra
Thursday, March 27, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm - Full orchestra
Thursday, April 3, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm - Full orchestra
Thursday, April 10, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm - Full orchestra
Thursday, April 17 , 2025 ~ NO REHEARSAL (Easter is on April 20th)
Thursday, April 24, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm - Full orchestra
Thursday, May 1, 2025 ~ 6:00-9:00 pm ~ Dress Rehearsal
Saturday, May 3, 2025 ~ 2 PM ~ Concert (call time 1:30)
Concert Location: The Defiance Community Auditorium (DCA) ~ 629 Arabella Street Defiance, OH 43512