SPRING HILL — It was 1982 and Michele DiLuzio was fresh out of high school when she and 12 others founded a community orchestra in Hernando County. The small group started out playing light classical music at ice cream socials at the local Methodist church and at events at the Atria Evergreen Woods retirement community.
Over the years, the group blossomed. Conductors came and went, the genre evolved from classical to a Boston Pops kind of sound, and the Hernando Symphony Orchestra, now just shy of 50 members, began hosting concerts in local high school theaters and now at Stage West Community Playhouse.
DiLuzio was a constant in the group, which offered her a place to play her trumpet when her high school years were over. She served as principal trumpeter for 32 years and assistant conductor for the past 13 years while working her day job with the Hernando County school system.
Of the 13 founding members, DiLuzio is the only one left.
And as the 2014-15 season kicks off this weekend with a series of holiday concerts, titled 'Tis the Season, she will make her first appearance as the orchestra's conductor, replacing Wayne Raymond, who retired.
For DiLuzio, the transition to her new role has felt seamless.
"I had already been working with them in some capacity, so it's been wonderful," she said. "Working with them full time has been an amazing experience. I tell them what I need, and they give it to me."
Even when she asks them to stretch.
"My motto is 'One team, one sound.' They are being challenged, and they are stepping up to it, and I think our audience will be pleased," she said, adding that she has ordered new musical arrangements that will be performed throughout the season, which will include a free outdoor concert held in conjunction with the Hernando County Arts Council's Art in the Park festival in March.
"I do want the orchestra to give back to the community that has supported us for over 30 years," said DiLuzio, who also plays in various brass ensembles and in local churches and theaters, and is founder and director of the Nature Coast Handbells.
'Tis the Season will feature a variety of selections meant "to get you in the mood (for the holidays)," DiLuzio said. Members of the Weeki Wachee High School chorus, under the direction of Morgan Burburan, will perform with the orchestra.
"It's the weekend right before Christmas," DiLuzio said. "So we're hoping people will join us where it's safe and fun and away from all the hustle bustle of the stores."
Contact Michele Miller at mmiller@tampabay.com or at (727) 869-6251. Follow @mimichele525.