The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra was established in 1938 by Milton Dieterich, then a member of Bemidji State University's music faculty. For many years this community-university ensemble has provided an enjoyable musical experience for many talented performers. In addition to university students, the orchestra's membership includes university faculty, community members, and high school students. The orchestra's activities over the years have included performances with the Bemidji Oratorio Society and other choral groups, children's concerts, and operas produced by the Music and Theater Departments of Bemidji State University. The orchestra's concerts feature a wide variety of music, ranging from Baroque concertos to modern film scores.
Programs frequently present a local or visiting soloist, or focus on music of a particular composer.
Each year a student is selected to receive the Roberta Sellon Orchestra Award, given to recognize excellence in performance in the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra. Both incoming freshmen and continuing students are eligible for this award. The orchestra is open to all students with previous musical experience. Students may elect to enroll in orchestra for course credit, or perform without registering.