The trips were always a blast. My first plane ride ever was with IGO to Washington DC. Chuck Penington really made an impact on me as a young musician. He is both incredibly professional and infinitely patient. He made me want to be a better musician and person. The combination of ages in the group helped me to develop social skills I might not otherwise have obtained as well. I made a lot of friends and still keep in touch with some of them.

IGO had a huge impact on my life musically and personally. The best memories I have had in my life were the road trips and retreats with the orchestra. From playing on the White House lawn to the magical Estes Park in Colorado twice those were some of the most memorable trips I have been on. The members were always so helpful and enjoyable to be around. I learned a lot and it helped me grow as a musician. If I could do it all over again I would and will hopefully come back when I'm old enough to join the orchestra again in my later years!

I was a member for the inaugural year. Getting to play with musicians of all ages was a real pleasure. I enjoyed the experience so much that I joined the Wisconsin Intergenerational Orchestra in 2018 as one of the "older" musicians. I am a native of Omaha and am entertaining the idea of returning to the city once my husband retires. I am a registered nurse specializing in perioperative care.

Council Bluffs, IA

My years in IGO were some of the happiest and most formative of my life. I remember many trips including the very first trip the Orchestra ever took in 1986 to Washington DC. My father, Chuck, was without a doubt the strongest musical influence in my life. Playing in the Orchestra taught me the extremely valuable skill of learning how to read music charts. This allowed me to have a tremendous head start on my musical career and also understand the joy and happiness that comes from making friends through music. I am positive that I wouldn't be the musician I am today without playing in this group. I hope the Orchestra continues to touch many lives as it has mine. Chuck Penington is without a doubt one of Nebraskas greatest gifts to music and I look forward to hearing him have many more seasons to come with the Orchestra!

I will never forget our trips to Dallas and The White House! I loved playing fun music and making new friends of all ages.

I remember the friends I made the most. Going on the trips were always so fun. I took my first plane ride with IGO!

I met so many phenominal players of all ages and still continue to keep in touch with them when I can.

Performing with the Orchestra allowed me to interact with many musicians of all ages, and even allowed me to pursue an interest in composition. Until that time, I never really thought of the possibilties in which music might take me. One of the highlights was composing, performing, and recording; A Euphonic Cruise, one of my first original compositions with the Orchestra.

I met so many phenominal players of all ages and still continue to keep in touch with them when I can.

IGO made a huge impact in my life. It opened up my mind to different styles of music. It helped me become confident at being a leader and become a core leader in the rhythm section.

IGO provided me with my first airplane trip--to D.C. in 1995! It was HOT, but we got to play on the White House lawn among other places. We went to Estes Park in 1997. So beautiful. Love of people: I made life-long friendships in the orchestra and Chuck has been a dear mentor and friend to me. The love of music is also life-long. One doesn't need to major in music or give it up upon graduation! I can think of nothing better to bridge the generation gap. I have been able to continue my love for pops/movie music in my career. It's still my favorite and no one teaches you HOW to groove (on strings) in school. Chuck does! It's a different language entirely (and often full of flats!) Playing with vocals is a unique style as well. It's an amateur orchestra, but his expectations are on a professional level. I am SO grateful for my experiences in IGO. I pop in on a rehearsal or concert when I can and am happy to have several students in the group. I'l be back when I'm 50!

It was a pleasure to perform music to make others happy. Performing on the premises of the White House in Washington D.C. was an unforgettable experience. Traveling with my mother was a memorable time that I will always treasure the rest of my life.

The puiblic exposure as a member of IGO and the advice from Mr. Chuck Penington helped me launch my singing career. Today I average 23 shows a month. In 2014, I was blessed with 281 performances. Thank you IGO for all your help in giving me a great start to a wonderful life in the world of music entertainment.

I felt honored to play in this ensemble under Chuck Penington's direction. I made many friends, and still stay in touch with some of them through Facebook.

I no longer play the violin, the closest I came to musical interest these days is attending concerts. I enjoy all kinds of music and particularly the Omaha Symphony at the Holland Center.

I remember the fun and hard work at the Camp Calvin Crest retreats. I am still friends with many of the people who were in the Orchestra when I was. Mostly I remember Chuck and what a great teacher and mentor he was.