History
The Orchestra of Flight began in 1983 when a group of Boeing engineers decided to come together to play music. The group soon grew and named itself the Boeing Employees’ Concert Orchestra. Over time, family, friends, retirees, and those “who know someone at Boeing” joined the orchestra, which became known for its casual, social atmosphere, and philanthropic spirit.
In 1992, the Orchestra of Flight officially became a government-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For the past 25+ years, the orchestra has provided a valuable music outreach program to the Seattle/Puget Sound region, playing in nursing homes, assisted-living communities, and other musically underserved areas.
Today, while some members are still current or retired Boeing employees, the Orchestra of Flight comprises musicians working in a range of industries – technology, education, healthcare, law, business – in the Seattle region. Our members range from recent college graduates to retirees, novices to classically-trained musicians, and Seattle natives to new Seattleites. All are welcome at the Orchestra of Flight, and we invite you to contact us to learn more.
Music Director
Matthew Kruse has been the music director for the Orchestra of Flight since the Fall of 2005. As an accomplished musician, conductor, and music teacher, Matthew enjoys sharing his love of music with the group and the greater community.
In addition to his work with the Orchestra of Flight, Matthew teaches band and orchestra at Lake Washington High School and directs the chancel choir at Redmond United Methodist Church. He is also a French horn teacher and a horn section member with Harmonia Orchestra & Chorus