Butler County Symphony Association

The Butler County Symphony Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting musical arts in Western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1948 as the Butler Orchestral Association, the organization was co-sponsored by the Butler Tuesday Musical Club, the Butler Board of Recreation, and the Butler Musical Society. I.M. Jaffe was elected as the first president[1].

History

The association held an invitation rehearsal on February 5, 1950, which was attended by about 200 people. The event saw participation from Pittsburgh musicians to ensure balanced instrumentation. The premier concert took place on April 17, 1950, conducted by Edward Roncone, aligning with Butler County’s Sesquicentennial celebration. The concert received an enthusiastic response[1].

Over time, the organization's name was changed to the Butler County Symphony Association. Today, it operates as one of the finest regional professional orchestras in Western Pennsylvania[1]. Each season, it hosts six concerts, comprising three pops and three classics[1].

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Butler County Symphony Association is to serve the community by providing quality symphonic and classical music. It also acts as an educational resource for local schools and offers performance opportunities for regional musicians[3][4]. The association is committed to employing local musicians, partnering with regional businesses, and collaborating with school districts to provide educational outreach initiatives[2].

Education Initiatives

A key component of the association's mission is its educational programs. These initiatives include an annual Education Concert held in March. The goal is to provide these educational resources to area schools free of cost, relying on community support for funding[5].

The Butler County Symphony Association plays a significant role in fostering musical growth and appreciation in the Western Pennsylvania community through its concerts and educational efforts.

[1] https://butlersymphony.org/our-history/ [2] https://butlersymphony.org/about/ [3] https://butlersymphony.org [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/25-6003746 [5] https://butlersymphony.org/education/