Fort Wayne Terrible Orchestra
Founded in 2018, the group was modeled after The Really Terrible Orchestra of Scotland, a group of adults who had some training in instruments but just wanted to play together as an orchestra for fun. The group took off in popularity and many other “terrible groups” were formed all over the world for those who wanted to play their instrument again with others.
Our aim: to give as close to an orchestra experience as possible, to make friends, to grow, to enjoy playing, to have a concert experience. The benefits to playing in a group are too many to count! We love how music creates community.
We do not hold auditions, but the level of music is about high school orchestra so it is helpful to have 2-3 years training and experience, even if in the distant past!
We started small but grew fast 
Playing Star Wars
We have grown to over 30 members, and have a full size orchestra!
About Debra Graham, founder and director
Debra Graham founded the Terrible Orchestra in Fort Wayne to provide a special group for those who perhaps did not have extensive training or were very rusty in their skills. She had a vision for those who wanted to connect and make music with others and become friends! Debra graduated from Wheaton College and Indiana University in viola performance, and has conducted school orchestral groups in Tennessee and Indiana both in public and private settings. She has had conducting classes with Paul Bouvier and recently was invited to the Maestri Series Conducting Workshop with Donald Schleicher, in San Francisco for further training. She has been a full time member of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic for over 30 years. She is married to Bruce, who is also a violist with the Philharmonic.
Fort Wayne Terrible Orchestra 