We're expanding with evening concerts this year to reach a younger audience. McCormack has served on the board all 12 years of the symphony's existence. She said the symphony was an outgrowth of the Octagon Orchestra. Along with the new symphony came an array of new conductors, which allowed the symphony to grow in quality and depth. The symphony members come from all over Iowa, driving to rehearsals in Ames from as far away as Grinnell, Dubuque and Oskaloosa.
All members come from different backgrounds as well.
The symphony also sees its share of guest artists. Guest artists slated to perform this season will be Jay Friedman, principal trombonist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Nancy Pifer, a soprano from the Chicago Lyric Opera. Holcomb said the symphony will reach into your musical imagination as you soar through your fantasies. Other concert dates this season are set for Nov. 7, Feb. 14 and March 26. Copyright 1998 by the Iowa State Daily Publications Board.