When you think of Memphis, TN, you most likely think of its profound musical influence--specifically in soul and blues. Memphis is home to some of the world's premiere music history sites: Stax, Sun Studios, Beale Street, Graceland, Ardent Studios, the list goes on and on. In 2011, The Memphis Repertory Orchestra (MRO) began working on adding its name to that legendary list. When the MRO formed under the leadership of William Langley in 2011, they wanted to put Memphis on the music map, again, but this time by distinguishing the city as a great new epicenter for classical music. While the city already plays host to a fantastic Symphony, which performs in a state-of-the-art concert hall, the MRO strives to reach an even broader audience by getting the younger generation involved in the process, especially students. The orchestra is comprised of local undergraduate and high school students alongside area amateur and professional musicians, all working on a volunteer basis.The intent of the orchestra is to offer these musicians an opportunity to perform and rehearse the way a professional orchestra does - with only a few intense rehearsals and then a concert. The MRO is proud to call itself the Resident Orchestra at the beautiful Buckman Performing Arts Center. The orchestra gave its first concert in the hall in May 2013 for their season finale concert.