Northern Symphony Orchestra

07/05/2026

🚨 Sneak Peek Alert! 🚨

What an unforgettable night! 🎆🎻 A HUGE thank you to everyone who packed the audience for our July 3rd concert—you made the evening truly special!

The music soared, the smiles were contagious, friendships were strengthened, and yes... our conductor, Chi Chi Lin Bestmann, may have discovered that a lightsaber makes a pretty entertaining baton during Star Wars! ⚔️🎶 (The Force was definitely with the orchestra.)

Here's a first look at some of the photos from an incredible evening filled with patriotic favorites, movie magic, and a community that loves making music together. More photos are on the way, so keep an eye on our page—you might even spot yourself in the crowd!

Thank you to our amazing musicians, volunteers, and enthusiastic audience for making this one of our favorite concerts yet. Until next time... may the Force—and the music—be with you! 💙🎼✨

Find these and more amazing photography from Darrell Owens Photography here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720334526411/with/55374388451/

07/03/2026

🚨 Fresh rehearsal photos have landed! 🚨

Last night's final rehearsal is in the books, and we're officially ready for tonight's "Red, White, and Reels" concert! 🎶🎬

The percussion section apparently decided that Star Wars isn't just music... it's a lifestyle. Let's just say the Force was strong enough to inspire some mysterious masks during rehearsal. Whether they were protecting the galaxy or using the force to play more percussion at once than humanly possible, we'll let you decide. 😄⚔️

A huge shoutout to our resident Ninja Photographer, who somehow slips through rehearsals completely unnoticed while capturing every dramatic entrance, every triumphant crescendo, every goofy moment, and every smile. We honestly don't know how Darrell does it, but we're incredibly grateful—his photos beautifully tell the story of our orchestra and preserve memories we'll treasure for years to come.

Check out the latest rehearsal photos, and if you haven't made plans yet, come join us tonight for an evening of patriotic favorites, unforgettable film music, and a concert that's going to be out of this world! ⭐🎻🎺🥁

Join us on Friday, July 3rd at Anoka HS @ 7:30pm - https://www.facebook.com/events/1720204572560145

Find more stunning shots by Darrell Owens Photography here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614/

07/01/2026

📸 Last call for First Rehearsal photos! 🎻✨

We're squeezing out the last few snapshots from our first rehearsal before they're officially archived in orchestra history! 😄 Every rehearsal brings us one step closer to an incredible evening of music, and we can't wait to share it with you.

Join the Northern Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, July 3 for "Red, White, and Reels"—an exciting celebration featuring patriotic favorites, unforgettable film music, and plenty of musical surprises under the baton of Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann.

If these rehearsal smiles are any indication, you're in for a fantastic concert. We hope to see you there! 🇺🇸🎬🎶

Have you looked at the additional photos by Darrell Owens Photography? Check out more photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614/

06/28/2026

🎬🎆 The countdown is on!

As we get closer to our July 3rd "Red, White, and Reels" concert, we're taking a trip back to Rehearsal #1! 📸 We've added even more photos from where the music (and the fun) all began.

Check out these behind-the-scenes photos and watch the journey unfold as we get ready to fill the stage with patriotic favorites and iconic movie music.

❤️🤍💙 We can't wait to share it all with you on July 3rd!

Check out more exquisite photography of this rehearsal by Darrell Owens Photography here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614/

06/25/2026

Fresh from the Anoka HS Stage! 🎻🎺

Our musicians have been hard at work putting the finishing touches on Red, White, and Reels, and we've just added some new rehearsal photos to give you a behind-the-scenes peek at the fun.

From patriotic favorites to blockbuster film scores, it's all coming together for an unforgettable July 3rd concert. Take a look at the photos, spot your favorite musician, and get ready to celebrate with the Northern Symphony Orchestra!

📸 New rehearsal photos are now live!

🎶 July 3 • Red, White, and Reels

KUDOS to Darrell Owens Photography for the amazing photography! See more of the rehearsal magic here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614/

See you at the concert!

05/02/2026

The music may have faded, but the memories are still ringing 🎶

We’re excited to share photos from the Northern Symphony Orchestra’s recent "Hidden Voices" Winter Concert—an evening full of heart, harmony, and just the right amount of goosebumps.

A special spotlight goes to our phenomenal youth soloist, Lorelei Schoenhard, who absolutely stole the show, and to the ever-energetic conductor Chi Chi, whose passion kept every note dancing. And of course, a huge thank you to Darrell Owens for capturing these moments so beautifully—proof that music can be seen as well as heard.

Take a scroll, relive the magic, and feel free to tag, share, and celebrate with us. Until the next downbeat… 🎻

Relive the magic of the "Hidden Voices" concert and see the rest of Darrell Owen's photography here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720333415478

03/14/2026

Many thanks to Lila for meeting with Chi Chi, Ed, and Ben. It's amazing to be a part such a passionate civic orchestra! Check out this interesting read. Also note the photos from Darrell Owens Photography!

Twenty-four years ago, Anoka-Hennepin orchestra instructors Michael Halstenson and Ed Schaefle thought it would be fun to invite a group of district music teachers, former students and a few community

02/23/2026

Check out the the action at NSO's 2nd rehearsal. There is magic happening!

The Northern Symphony Orchestra presents a spring concert on Saturday, March 21st at 7:30pm at Anoka High School.

Photo ninja Darrell Owens Photography captures these amazing moments. See more pictures here: https://flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614

02/19/2026

Can you feel the energy from NSO's first rehearsal this year?

The Northern Symphony Orchestra is keyed up for a spring concert on Saturday, March 21st at 7:30pm at Anoka High School.

Darrell Owens Photography captures these amazing moments. See more pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614