Sioux City Symphony Orchestra facts for kids
The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra located in Sioux City, Iowa. They perform at the Orpheum Theater.
Contents
History of the Orchestra
How It All Began
The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra started in the early 1930s. It was created with the help of Leo Kucinski. He also helped start The Sioux City Municipal Band around the same time.
Under Mr. Kucinski's leadership, the orchestra grew. It became a well-respected group of professional musicians. They had a regular season of concerts. The orchestra first played at the Sioux City Municipal Auditorium. In 2001, they moved to the beautiful, old Orpheum Theater.
The Municipal Band
The Municipal Band is also a group of professional musicians. Its history goes back to the 1920s. It started as The Monahan Post 64 Band of the American Legion. This band became very famous. It was chosen as the "official" band of the American Legion in the mid-1920s.
Before the early 1930s, The Monahan Post Band went on many tours. They played concerts in big cities. These included New York City, New Orleans, and even Paris. Today, the Municipal Band plays at the city band shell in Grandview Park.
Music Education in Sioux City
Sioux City is known for its talented musicians. This is because people in the city have always supported music education. They have invested a lot in music programs. These programs are in both public and private schools.
In the 1930s, Leo Kucinski worked with M.G. Clark. Mr. Clark was the Superintendent of Schools. Together, they built a strong music program for public schools. Also, Morningside College has a lively music department. This helps train many great musicians and music teachers in Sioux City.
There is also an All-City Orchestra for elementary students. Young musicians can join by audition. The Siouxland Youth Symphony is for junior high and high school students. Players are chosen through competitive auditions.
Orchestra Leaders
After Leo Kucinski, several other people have led the orchestra. These music directors include Thomas Lewis and Stephen Rogers Radcliffe. Xian Zhang was also a director. She was supposed to stay for three years. However, she resigned after two years. Her schedule became too busy. In 2009, Ryan Haskins was announced as the new music director. He started on July 1, 2009.
Music Directors
- Leo Kucinski (1925-1977)
- Thomas Lewis (1977- )
- Stephen Rogers Radcliffe (1995-2004)
- Xian Zhang (2005-2007)
- JungHo Kim (2008)
- Ryan Haskins (2009–present)
