The musicians who play in the Williamson County Symphony Orchestra are a diverse set of performers—high-tech workers, public school music teachers, business owners and stay-at-home parents. While many are accomplished players who teach students, others play solely for pleasure. Each week from August to May the orchestra gathers under the baton of conductor Thomas Rainey to rehearse selections for a full season consisting of nine free concerts held at various venues in Williamson County. Skilled though they might be, the orchestra musicians are volunteers who commit time and talent for the sake of bringing symphonic music to the general public free of charge. The orchestra considers this mission a ministry, said trumpet player John Gordon, who also serves as chairman of the orchestra's board of directors. "Our orchestra was founded by church musicians," Gordon said, referring to founders Mary Ann Hetrick and Becky Hamilton. "The whole concept is that music is a gift from God, and it's our way to give back. For us to charge is to deny access, and we refuse to do that." Now in its 13th season, the WCSO has evolved from modest origins to a full-scale symphony complete with a composer-in-residence: M.L. Daniels. The orchestra plans to play a new composition by Daniels—"The Great Cathedral"—at its Oct. 17 concert season opener at Anderson Mill Baptist Church. Gordon said the orchestra focuses on a pops-based concert format that includes nine to 12 works of music ranging from short classical pieces to soundtrack music composed for Hollywood blockbusters such as "Jurassic Park" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." The orchestra plays at select venues in Williamson County as concerts require seating and parking for at least 800 to 900 attendees, he said. Gordon said the orchestra meets its expenses through the generosity of individuals and businesses. "We pay about $7,000 a year to play the places we perform at—these free concerts aren't free to us; they're free to the public," Gordon said. "We also pay about $3,000 for sheet music as well." Trumpet player Amy Wenglar is in her second season with the WCSO and said she is looking forward to playing some of her favorite works of music this season. "I was especially excited to see [Richard Wagner's] 'Ride of the Valkyries' and 'Lord of the Rings' in the set—both of which were pieces on my orchestra wish list," Wenglar said. "I feel like I am a part of something really great and can't wait to see what's on the agenda for the rest of the concert season." Williamson County Symphony Orchestra, www.williamsoncountysymphonyorchestra.org