Our HistoryThe Jacksonville Symphony Society was founded in 1963 by two members of the MacMurray College faculty: Dr. Henry Busche, who served as conductor for many years, and Dr. Walter Hendrickson, who worked to raise the needed money. There were approximately 25 orchestra members, all local residents and all unpaid. Two concerts were offered the first season. Elizabeth Beranek, the last active original musician, retired in 2008.
Steady growth and increased community response occurred the first two decades, and by 1981 when Dr. Garrett Allman assumed the position of Music Director and Conductor, advances accelerated. Management and marketing improved once the Executive Director position was established in 1985. Fundraising events became better organized and an effective solicitation program for business donations and sponsorship's was initiated. Youth Concerts were moved from Sunday afternoon to a school day in 1987 and the number of students affected has increased from a few hundred up to almost 2,000. Fund-raising events have ranged from "Germanfest" to Dinner-Dance events, Jazz Auction nights, a regional Talent Show for all ages, and a contest for conductor of the orchestra. Today the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Chorale produces a full season of 5 concerts a year plus an annual Youth concert for area school children. While other orchestras may be struggling, the Jacksonville Symphony continues to thrive as the flagship artistic and cultural institution in Jacksonville, Illinois, a community with a long heritage of passion for the arts and civic engagement. |
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