This week’s Good Stuff highlight? The New Ground Orchestra Festival and Rebekah O’Brien

A Dream Takes Root

In July, the New Ground Orchestra Festival—led by conductor Rebekah O’Brien—brought together 36 professional women musicians from across the country (and one from Belgium) for a five-day experience filled with service, singing, movement, journaling, community meals, and music-making, all culminating in a stunning performance at the Penn State School of Music Recital Hall.

I first heard about Rebekah’s vision back in April, when I bumped into her while walking my dog. She shared her dream of gathering professional women musicians from around the world to bring joy, lend helping hands, and create beautiful music. A few weeks later, I sat in her plant-filled sunroom to hear her big plans and see how I might help.

State College is the kind of place where big ideas can thrive—especially with the support of a generous community. Rebekah is a shining example of how dreams become reality when we call on the gifts and talents of others.

First rehearsal in the Penn State School of Music Recital Hall

Music, Movement & Mindfulness

At the heart of the festival was a focus on the musicians’ well-being. Rebekah invited choral director Patti Begg to lead the group in three-part harmonies and playful body-percussion rhythms. In my work teaching meditation and writing, I guided reflective journaling sessions, weaving in mindfulness and poetry.

Rebekah, who directs orchestras at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has conducted the Lancaster, York, Altoona, and Williamsport symphonies, also led the musicians in Eurythmy—a movement art that combines poetic language with choreographed gesture.

Giving Back Together

The week was as much about service as it was about music. The musicians planted more than 50 trees with ClearWater Conservancy, and at 3 Dots Downtown, they wrote encouraging notes and made bracelets for survivors of relationship violence supported by Centre Safe. Local musician Eric Ian Farmer serenaded them during lunch from Roots Kitchen.

The festival was supported by a $1,000 Awesome Grant from 3 Dots Downtown, discounted lodging from Hotel State College and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau’s $5,000 donation as the concert sponsor. The Women* in Music at Penn State acted as a concert sponsor; the festival connected to their values of music, equity, allyship and community. Donations and sponsorships from other local businesses and individuals also contributed to the festival’s success.

(Above) The New Ground Orchestra Festival wins 1,000 Awesome Grant from 3 Dots Downtown
(Below) Musicians writing notes and making bracelets for Center Safe survivors at 3 Dots Downtown

Shared Meals & Local Flavor

Good food was woven into the festival. Webster’s Bookstore & Café donated the opening night dinner, Taproot Kitchen provided food for the pre-concert reception, over a dozen local women hosted a potluck at the University Baptist and Brethren Church, and locals Rod and Shari Erickson hosted a picnic at their farm.

A highlight of the week was a morning spent at Plowshare Produce, where the musicians harvested vegetables, pulled weeds, cleaned garlic, and prepared a farm-fresh lunch together. I joined in the farm kitchen, grating carrots and chopping herbs while taking in the smells, laughter, and lively conversations.

(Above) Rebekah O’Brien and musicians with Bethany Spicher at Plowshare Produce Farm
(Below) Musicians cleaning garlic at Plowshare Produce

A Joyful Finale

After several rehearsals, the all-women symphony took the stage at the Penn State Recital Hall, where seats were filled with community members—many of whom had housed or fed the musicians.

They opened with a Beethoven overture, performed a three-part original concerto by Principal Cellist Nancy Ives, featuring Concertmaster, Denise Dillenbeck, as soloist—and closed with an effervescent Mendelssohn.

I chose a seat on the upper level so I could watch Rebekah conduct. She came alive with the music—rocking to the tips of her toes, her face glowing with emotion and expression.

At the close of the festival, the musicians shared their deepest gratitude for the opportunity. Above all, they thanked Rebekah—for her radiant leadership, her generous spirit, and the way she embodies health, vitality, and a living passion for music.

The New Ground Orchestra Festival was more than a week of music; it was a reminder of what’s possible when we dream big, together.

The New Ground Orchestra Festival performance at the Penn State School of Music Recital Hall

Follow @newground_orchestrafestival to stay connected, support, and learn about next summer’s festival.