Who Are We?

Founded in 1996, the NIH Community Orchestra is an all-volunteer organization that unites the musical talent of NIH and the surrounding community: NIH affiliation is not required.  We perform three orchestral concerts per season, featuring works from underrepresented and living composers, alongside beloved classics! 


Perform With Us

  • Winter/Spring 2027 musician openings: Trombone, Tuba.
  • First Rehearsal: 9/9/26 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
  • Weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays 7:30pm-9:30pm.
  • Contact nihcommunityorchestra@gmail.com for more details. 
  • Follow us on Facebook!

Concert 2026-2027

  • Date: 12/5/26 3pm-4:30pm
  • Concert 1 Repertoire:
  • 1. John Corigliano – Gazebo Dances (1974)
  • 2. William Grant Still – Christmas in the Western World [with NIHCC] (Strings only)
  • 3. Amy Beach – Bal Masque, op. 22 for Orchestra.
  • 4. Rossini/Respighi – Selections from La boutique fantasque (1911)
    • Overture
    • Tarantella
    • Galop
  • Thank you for sharing this [list-serve] post. We took the kids yesterday. The orchestra sounded wonderful! We were all captivated and the kids had lots of questions for us during and after the concert! They were excited to look for neighborly familiar faces on stage. Great job creating beautiful music and inspiring us all!” – Anonymous audience.
  • “A lovely afternoon with the NIH orchestra, full of energy and commitment! We thoroughly enjoyed their performance of the music of American composers, and we look forward to what classical works they tackle next!” – Marcus P

Catch a glimpse of our inspired music-making in this 90-second video!

The NIH Community Orchestra is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County Government, and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.  

Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County

Disclaimer : “NIH Community Orchestra (NIHCO) supports the NIH community as an independent organization supported in part by the NIH Recreation and Welfare Association (R&W).”