Community Partners
Oriental is a unique cultural hub in coastal Carolina, replete with residents of many talents and interests. Working in partnership with as many other organizations as possible, we can showcase those talents and the talents of performing artists brought to our region in a way that is greater than any one organization can do alone.
We are proud of our outreach focus, be it for a single event like the upcoming one with the Old Front Porch Music Festival, or with a long term relationship like the one we enjoy with Pamlico Music Society. Below is a peek at just a few of those partnerships we hold dear.
We are always looking for ways we can bring more cultural arts to Pamlico County that will enrich the lives of our citizens and guests, benefit the businesses that support us, and plant seeds of creativity that will grow into opportunities for joy and learning in the future. If your organization has an idea how the Old Theater can work with you, please let us know! When we work together, we all win!
Pamlico Musical Society
Remarkable Musical Experiences for our Amazing Community
The mission of the Pamlico Musical Society is to present diverse musical experiences that enrich the quality of life in our community. Since 1997, our concert performances and outreach activities have provided opportunities to enjoy and interact with a wide variety of high quality musical groups representing many musical genres.
Our primary performance venue is The Old Theater, where the small hall promotes intimate exchanges between the artists and audiences — further enhancing the significance of the musical experience. Many of our artists also present an outreach component which extends the impact of our programs to partners including the Pamlico County Public Schools, the Arapahoe Charter School, the Pamlico Christian Academy, HeartWorks, Prime Time, the Holt's Chapel Community Center, and the Pamlico Community College.
With a season that runs from September/October through April/May each year, our Grammy-quality programming embraces bluegrass, jazz, classical, folk, rock, Americana, pop, blues and more, offering something special for everyone who loves great music. To learn more visit www.pamlicomusic.org
Children's Theater Workshop
A Place for Kids to Learn, Grow and Imagine.
Children's Theater Workshop has a longstanding commitment to enriching the lives of children by providing a structured arts program led by an exceptional, and carefully chosen, theater arts Drama Coach.
Besides being great fun, children's theater has many benefits. Activities like improv and drama performance can boost self-esteem and confidence. The theater is a place where inner silliness and creativity are embraced. When children learn to be more confident in themselves, it translates to other aspects of their lives — school, communication, and social situations.
During the age-divided, two-week sessions, children are introduced to theater skills such as acting fundamentals, learning to speak on stage, using drama exercises by playing theater games, see the behind-the-scenes work, learn to work in peer groups, and meet new friends.
Learning about the performing arts can teach important skills in life, such as self-confidence, cooperation, self-discipline, and concentration. Imagination is encouraged! More at www.childrenstheateronc.com
Pamlico Chorale
The Pamlico Chorale is an established choral group in Pamlico County, North Carolina. Its members enjoy singing and rejoicing together. Reba Tiller is the group's beloved, long-standing leader. Participation is open to all who share a love of music.
More at their Facebook page
Pamlico Community Band
The Pamlico Community Band has members from Pamlico County and surrounding counties. Ages range from the young, to the young at heart! It doesn't matter what experience you have. Only thing that matters, is that you have a passion for music!
More at their Facebook page
Holt's Chapel Community Center
Julius Rosenwald, who never finished high school, yet rose to become the President of Sears & Roebuck, was influenced by the writings of the educator and former slave, Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute. Inspired by a deep concern over racial inequality in America, Rosenwald joined forces with Washington to help African American communities build 5,000 of these schools between 1912 and 1933 – and a future for black children in the South.
Once the pride of their communities, many of these schools were later abandoned or demolished. In 2002, the National Trust for Historic Preservation placed the Rosenwald Schools on its 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list.
There were three Rosenwald schools in Pamlico County and Holt’s Chapel Elementary School is the only remaining one in continuous operation, celebrating their Centennial in 2021. Restoration continues today for this historic site with the goal to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. Holt’s Chapel Community Center, a living piece of history in Pamlico County, is located on Janeiro Road outside Oriental, NC.
A remarkable documentary titled “Rosenwald,” about the partnership of African American communities with Jewish Sears executive Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington, was released in 2015 and can be viewed online on many platforms. Holt’s Chapel Community Center, Inc. maintains a copy for presentation to local schools, organizations and clubs. Presentations may include personal accounts of local residents who were students at the school. Contact Holt’s Chapel Community Center, Inc. via Facebook for further information.