Sandhills Symphony Orchestra

The Sandhills Symphony Orchestra is a community-based ensemble located in North Platte, Nebraska, that has been bringing classical music to the central region of the state since its inception. The orchestra is composed of volunteer musicians who come from various parts of the region to share their passion for music with the public. The organization is dedicated to making its concerts accessible to all, offering free admission to community members and visitors alike. Performances are typically held at the Performing Arts Center at North Platte High School. The origins of the Sandhills Symphony Orchestra date back to the winter of 1960 when Nora Watson issued a call to interested individuals in the North Platte Telegraph to form a symphony. This initiative was met with enthusiasm, and the first Board of Directors was established, including Bert Ellsworth as President, Linda Bredemeir as Vice President, and Robert Watson as Secretary/Treasurer, along with members Larry Romeiser and Jack McDermand. Nora Watson proposed the name "Sandhills Symphony," and the orchestra's debut concert took place on April 30, 1961, with Louis Trizinski serving as the guest conductor. Over the years, the Sandhills Symphony Orchestra has been under the baton of various conductors, with notable tenures including Lawrence Romeiser from 1962 to 1976, Virgil French from 1977 to 1993, and more recently, Christa Speed from October 2017 to the present. The orchestra has also seen a number of guest conductors and assistant conductors, such as Everett Fidler, David Thelen, and Sheila Johnson, contributing to its development and success. The position of Concert Master has been held by distinguished musicians, starting with Kay Toillion, who led from the first concert in 1961 until the spring concert of 2017. Kristin Simpson took over as Concert Master in the fall of 2017, continuing the tradition of excellence in leadership within the orchestra's string section. The Sandhills Symphony Orchestra's history is documented in an archive that is currently a work in progress, capturing the evolution of the organization and its impact on the cultural life of North Platte and the surrounding areas. The orchestra's commitment to the arts is evident in its sustained efforts to provide quality musical experiences to the community, despite challenges such as those posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Sandhills Symphony Orchestra remains a vital part of North Platte's cultural landscape, inviting musicians and audiences alike to join in the celebration of classical music. Its ongoing mission to enrich the lives of residents and visitors through the power of music continues to resonate throughout central Nebraska.