Augusta Symphony Orchestra (Augusta, Georgia) facts for kids

The Augusta Symphony started in 1954. It began with just 15 musicians and has grown into a full symphony orchestra! Each year, they offer three different concert series. They also have special programs to teach kids about music. The first conductors were Harry Jacobs and Dr. Donald Portnoy. Today, Shizuo Z Kuwahara is their Music Director and Conductor.

The Symphony's Story

The Augusta Symphony first performed on May 23, 1954. Their first conductor was Harry M. Jacobs. He used to play the French horn in big orchestras like the Chicago and Minnesota orchestras.

Over the years, many people in the community helped the symphony grow. Three special volunteer groups were formed:

• The Augusta Symphony Orchestra Guild (started in 1957)
• The Augusta Symphonic League (started in 1961)
• The Friends of the Symphony Association (started in 1981)

These groups helped the symphony by raising money and getting more people interested in orchestral music.

Growing the Audience

In the 1985–86 season, the symphony started playing concerts in Aiken, South Carolina. This helped them reach more people across the state line!

The symphony also hired more musicians. In 1986–87, they hired four full-time musicians to create the Augusta Symphony String Quartet. The next year, they hired three more musicians for the bassoon, clarinet, and oboe. These musicians formed the Augusta Symphony Woodwind Trio.

Music for Young People

During the 1987–88 season, the "Discovery Series" of concerts for young people began. This program included special talks and demonstrations by the String Quartet and Woodwind Trio in schools.

Today, this program is called Music in the Schools. It brings musicians to schools in the area. Students can learn about different instruments like strings, woodwinds, percussion, and bass.

In 2004–05, the Augusta Symphony celebrated its 50th anniversary! They had a special concert with famous opera singer Deborah Voigt. The 50th anniversary season ended with a free outdoor concert called Pops! Under the Stars. It was a gift to the community.

In 2005–06, the Symphony Series moved to First Baptist of Augusta. This new place has great sound and more seats, making concerts even better!

Concert Series You Can Enjoy

The Augusta Symphony offers several exciting concert series. Each one has a different kind of music for you to enjoy.

Symphony Series

The Symphony Series takes place at First Baptist of Augusta. It features six concerts each season. These concerts showcase big, classic symphonic pieces from different times in music history.

Pops! at the Bell

Pops! at the Bell offers four concerts. These shows are lighter and feature popular music artists. They perform with the symphony at the Bell Auditorium in downtown Augusta, Georgia.

Columbia County Music Series

The Columbia County Music Series brings classical music closer to people in Columbia County. This way, they can enjoy great music right in their own community.

Pops! Under the Stars

Pops! Under the Stars is a special yearly concert. It's free and takes place outdoors. It's a wonderful way for everyone to enjoy music together under the sky!

Discovery Concerts

Discovery concerts are designed especially for children. Their goal is to get young people excited about the symphony and classical music.