The first impetus suggests that members were playing for their own enjoyment. Soon, however, the orchestra began to give concerts and for more than 20 years the mission of the group has been dual: to provide an opportunity for amateur musicians to perform and to perform at a high level for the enjoyment of audiences. From September to June each year, those audiences have been diverse. Regularly, the orchestra has played four concerts in Fridley and occasionally concerts in other locations as the opportunities have arisen. For the last six years the orchestra has played a series of three concerts in various Fridley Public Schools. As Peter Schickele says, "All musics are created equal." However, not all "musics" get equal exposure, especially to young audiences, and perhaps for that reason the school concerts have been supported by The United Arts School Arts Fund of COMPAS.
"Diversity" is a key word for the orchestra. Many of the members are retired. However, young players add their energies. The oldest member is still puffing on his bassoon at the age of 91 while the youngest player to date was a 15-year old violinist. Some players, even some of advanced years, began to study their instruments recently, while others have graduate degrees in music. Diversity also marks the music styles the orchestra has selected to perform. Concerts have been comprised of selections from over 300 years of Western music and one concert was entirely music from mainland China.
