Carolyn Sorenson, violinist in the Nebo Philharmonic Orchestra, started playing the violin when she was in fifth grade. That was more than 60 years ago, and she has been playing the instrument ever since.

"When you graduate from college, there isn't a lot of opportunity to play in group settings unless you play professionally," Sorenson said.

When Sorenson, 63, moved from Riverton to Spanish Fork in 2005, there wasn't even a community orchestra.

"The closest community orchestra was in Provo," she said. "We needed something closer to serve the community members of southern Utah County, so I set about forming one."

Sorenson contacted her previous director from the Riverton Metropolitan Orchestra, Benjamin Winkler, and together they formed the 75-member Nebo Philharmonic Orchestra in 2005. Winkler now conducts both the Nebo and Riverton orchestras.

"Playing in a group setting where you can create a whole new sound is really something," Sorenson said. "A single flower in a garden may be pretty, but it's not interesting until you put it in a bouquet. That's how an orchestra is. When all the pieces come together, it is just beautiful."

The orchestra was adopted into the Spanish Fork Arts Council in 2005 when the arts council gave the orchestra $2,500 of their annual budget and ticket sales.

"The arts are an important part of city culture," said Karen Bradford of the Spanish Fork Arts Council.

The Nebo Philharmonic Orchestra is kicking off their 2009-2010 season with a concert series that draws inspiration from movie classics.

"We're doing performances that appeal to people," Sorenson said. "People enjoy seeing movies, and music is an important part of that movie experience. People come out of the movie and remember the music."

The orchestra will perform medleys from "Mary Poppins" and "West Side Story," and songs from the cartoon classic "Bugs Bunny," including the "Barber of Seville Overture."

But while the inspiration comes from the movies, according to Sorenson a night at the orchestra can beat a night at the movie theater.

"Good music can make a real difference in people's lives," she said. "It's not like a movie where you can just sit and watch. When listening to the orchestra you really feel the emotions, and the music can make you feel good."

And a night at the orchestra, she says, is as delightful to the soul as it is to the ears.

"People should go to the orchestra because it lifts you and strengthens you," she said. "It brings out your inner emotions that are the best of you, and besides all that, it is just a fun time."

If you like movie music

Nebo Philharmonic Orchestra

When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Where: The American Leadership Academy, 1172 Del Monte Road, Spanish Fork

Tickets: Adult admission $5, family packages (up to 6 members) $15, senior and children admission $3.

Info: www.nebophil.org