Ashland Symphony

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Ashland Symphony Orchestra

History

(1970-1976)

Dr. Glenn Clayton’s efforts as president of Ashland College from 1948-1977 are recognized as being extremely instrumental in the formation of a new orchestra in 1970. With the aid of Calvin Rogers, a music professor at Ashland College from 1947-1984 and Dr. Eunice Kettering, chair of the college Music Department at the time, it was felt that because no community-based efforts had been successful, the concept of a dual partnership with the college to form an orchestra would be appealing to community leaders.

In May of 1970, Ashland College hired a director to lead the orchestra.

“President Glenn L. Clayton has announced the appointment of Harold Leighton Weller as director of the orchestra and instructor of music at Ashland College. In his new post, he will be responsible for the development of a community orchestra. ‘With Weller having been appointed to the Ashland College faculty, we are hopeful that many members of the community and area will want to get involved and perform in a community orchestra,’ Calvin Rogers said.” 

The first concert of the inaugural season, 1970-71, occurred on April 29, 1971. The program included: 

Beethoven: Overture to Egmont

Bach: Concerto No. 1 for Violin and Orchestra

Henry Criz, violin

Dvorak: Symphony No. 8 

The orchestra was funded mainly by the college through the budget of the Music Department. Additional support came from the local community through ticket revenue and contributions. A group of individuals from the community was loosely organized in the early 70’s as members of the "League," which provided financial support for the orchestra. The League at that time included both husbands and wives and was the precursor to the current Ashland Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Directors. During the 1972-73 season, the Ashland Symphony League was officially formed for the purpose of promoting the orchestra in Ashland and to sponsor social events associated with the orchestra. Mrs. Sarah Rowan was elected the first League president.

The orchestra flourished under Weller from 1970-1977 as evidenced by the growing number of musicians and season ticket holders. The symphony was viewed as a very successful operation under his directorship both artistically and financially. However, by 1976, the financial position of the college had become critical due to the end of the Vietnam War and the declining student enrollment. The college Board of Trustees, recognizing that the orchestra had ample support from the community and having built a foundation for the symphony, was compelled to withdraw only its financial support.

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