This will be music to your ears. There's a new symphony in town - Symphony on the Square. Symphony on the Square debuted in Marietta on May 27, performing to a crowd of more than 200. "We had a great response from those who came to it," said Dr. Paul Hill, the founding music director/conductor.

"There really was not a standing orchestra associated with Marietta and associated principally with the heart of Marietta, the Square area," said Hill, the Minister of Music & Worship at First Baptist Church of Marietta for 10 years.

Hill, who has been conducting orchestras and choirs professionally for more than 30 years, explained that arts in Marietta include dance, theaters, bands and choral groups.

"Having a symphony associated with Marietta will complete that package in that way. There hasn't been a symphony," he said.

Hill received an enthusiastic response for Symphony on the Square after publishing posters around the Square as well as putting feelers out to other churches and conductors in the area.

"Literally in a matter of weeks we were well closing in on 50 members with orchestra members who just wanted to play. Some had not played in a while, not had an opportunity to play. Some were active players and just wanted another outlet," Hill said.

"There's just a lot of interest," he said.

Symphony on the Square rehearses and usually performs at MFBC at 148 Church St. "The facility is volunteered to the group as community outreach," he said.

Orchestra members are from all walks of life. Some are formally trained, but there are no professional players. "For the most part they're business people, family members. It's clearly a community group from all walks of life," Hill said.

Membership is through audition or invitation. "The audition isn't meant to scare you off. It's intended to see how I can fit you into the group," he said.

The group's next concert is Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

"We now have an orchestra that we can call home to Marietta. The intent is that it remain associated with the Marietta Square, Marietta area. I just think it completes the picture for the arts in this area," Hill said.

For more on Symphony on the Square, visit www.symphony onthesquare.org.

For more about MFBC, visit www.mariettafbc.org.