About Us:
In 1949, Paul Franklin, High School Orchestra Director, started the Fort Dodge String Orchestra with around 20 people. In 1958 the officers and members of this organization voted to expand into a full orchestra and changed the name to the Fort Dodge Symphony. In September of 1963 the members felt that there was a need to get a supporting organization in order to help this group grow and perform more frequently. Three Iowa State College music professors met with all those interested. As a result the Symphony Association made up of businesses, professionals and interested citizens came into existence. Doyle Andrews was elected president and James Stroud, ISU, became the conductor. This support group was in charge of the sale of season memberships, promotion of concerts, and the handling of business matters. In 1980 the title was slightly changed to Fort Dodge Area Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra has shared their talents with thirteen symphony conductors.

Alice Hackett and others became interested in young people soloing with the symphony. In March of 1964 Steven Zehr, 19, appeared with the symphony. As a result plans were made to include a Young Artists Concert as part of the symphony season. The first concert was held January 22, 1966. Since then there have been 144 soloists featured on the annual Young Artists' Concert.

In 1982 under the association president Jeannette Miller the Young Artists' Endowment came into existence. The Endowment was to be a perpetual fund established for income to support this concert.

Our Mission :

The mission of the Fort Dodge Area Symphony Association is to encourage and develop an appreciation for orchestral music through performances and educational experiences for the greater Fort Dodge area.

Objectives:

a. To promote the activities of the Fort Dodge Area Symphony

b. To enhance appreciation of the talents of symphony performers in the Fort Dodge area.

c. To promote educational programs and support general enrichment opportunities for area youth.