Firelands Symphony will continue to play in Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Firelands Symphony Orchestra is moving its offices and music school to the BGSU Firelands campus in Huron, but its commitment to Sandusky is undiminished, the orchestra's executive director said.The orchestra will continue to play its regular season concerts at Sandusky State Theatre in downtown Sandusky and also has committed to play an outdoor pops concert downtown on Aug. 19, 2018, to help Sandusky celebrate the city's bicentennial, said Laurie Korobkin, executive director for the orchestra.Last Friday, the orchestra announced it found a new location to replace its offices and classrooms at its longtime home, a 19th century home at 334 East Washington St.The home, which was owned by the late Ruth Frost Parker, has been put up for sale, and the orchestra's lease there expires Feb. 28, Korobkin said.By then, the orchestra's staff and instructors hope to be moved into an unused science lab at George Mylander Hall on the BGSU campus.Korobkin said a few people have asked if the orchestra will still be committed to Sandusky.The answer is yes, Korobkin said, citing the upcoming concerts at Sandusky State Theatre, the planned Aug.19 pops concert, and the fact the orchestra will continue to provide music education and engagement to schools in Sandusky, Perkins and other local schools.The Aug. 19 concert will be at the Sandusky Bay Pavilion on the edge of Sandusky Bay. It will feature the full orchestra, high school bands from local schools and vocalist Dan May, a native of Sandusky.In addition to that show, Korobkin would like to dispatch a smaller group of musicians to play in Washington Park in downtown Sandusky for another date next summer."It all depends on funding," she said. "I want to do more in downtown Sandusky."Korobkin said the orchestra is paying only a minimal fee for the remodeled space it will use and expects to pay the school back by offering concerts and classes."Being on campus will allow us to grow, reach out to a much larger community," she said.Reach reporter Tom Jackson at jackson@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @jacksontom.Conductor Carl Topilow leads the Firelands Symphony Orchestra. The symphony's administrative offices are moving to Huron, but the orchestra will continue to perform at Sandusky State Theatre in Sandusky.