Black Hills Symphony Orchestra
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Black Hills Symphony Orchestra (BHSO) is an American orchestra located in Rapid City, South Dakota serving the Black Hills region, and is a member of the League of American Orchestras. The BHSO is administered by Black Hills Symphony Orchestra Society Inc. a non-profit company and utilizes approximately 90 musicians for typically five performances each season. The BHSO has also partnered with the Black Hills Dance Theater and the Black Hills Community Theater to produce ballet, full stage productions, and broadway musicals. The princile venue for the BHSO is the Rushmore Plaze Civic Center Theater. The BHSO is currently conducted by Jack Knowles, and the Orchestra's Assistant-Conductor is Bruce Knowles. The Concert Master is Carol Knowles.
[edit] History
The orchestra was founded in 1930's by a small group of string players as the Rapid City Symphony Orchestra. Alex Schneider, a local high school band and orchestra director, served as conductor from 1937 until 1942. Vernon Malone conducted in the 1940's. Violinist and businessman Arnold Rudd was took over as conductor in 1952 and served until 1972 when educator emeritus Jack Knowles became conductor. In 1977, the Rapid City Symphony Orchestra Society was formed to give oversight to the orchresta. In 1988 the name was changed to Black Hills Symphony Orchestra.
[edit] Education
The Black Hills Symphony Orchestra provides educational opportunities to the youth of the Black Hills area through the following programs: Fourth Grade Concert, Music in the Schools, Young Artist Competition, the Black Hills String Retreat, the Rushmore Competition, and the Black Hills Suzuki School.
