The Tar River Choral and Orchestral Society, Inc., known by the community as the Tar River Orchestra and Chorus, was founded in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA, in 1986. Since its inception, it has grown to include not only a professional orchestra and an adult chorus, but also a children's chorus, junior strings program, a symphonic band, and a swing band.

Mission:
The mission of the Tar River Choral and Orchestral Society, Inc. is to provide all citizens an opportunity to be touched by live, choral and instrumental music, in a manner and style meaningful to them

Vision:
The vision of the Tar River Choral and Orchestral Society, Inc. is to enhance and enrich the quality of life in the community by strengthening and promoting the cultural arts through choral and instrumental music performances; by providing members of the community the opportunity to participate in making music; and through musical education, with particular emphasis on introducing children and youth to live orchestral music through educational outreach programs.