Ariel Corporation
Ruth T. Bemis Fund
Donna Betcher Fund
Peter and Linda Michaels
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Park National Bank
Larry and Sarah Goslee Reed
Schnormeier Family Fund
Ora Smith
Karen Buchwald Wright
MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR
Amy Bernicken
Mr. and Mrs. James Buchwald
John and Abbe Cheek
Psi Iota Xi
Sean Decatur and Renee Romano
Lynne Ruess and Christopher Deryck
Foundation Park Conservancy
Ms. Judy Jones
Mary E. Kepple
Don and Magic McBride
Carol Navin
Jan and Ken Reynolds
Katie Wright
SUSTAINING
Mr. and Mrs. John Aebi
Duane Barber
Russell and Carolyn Batt
Joseph and Marty Bell
Ralph Brown and BG Borchers
Daniel Laskin and Mary Jane Cowles
Eric and Kami Diehl
Paul D. Dove, DDS
Gloria Edwards
Kirk and Elizabeth Emmert
Joanne Erskine
Larry and Kathie Everhard
Ken and Teresa Farnham
Katie and Bob Gavazzi
Doug and Susan Givens
Howard and Sarah Gratz
Ruth B. Griffing
Bruce and Jill Hawkins
Ray and Pat Heithaus
SUSTAINING MEMBER (con’t)
Diane L. Henwood
Mr. and Mrs. John Hollback, Jr.
David Hoyt
Bruce Kiracofe
Ann Laudeman
Jerry and Barbara Lindstrom
William and Patricia McCulloh
Will and Martha Melick
Jim Dunham and Ree Metcalf
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mickley
Dick and Joyce Miller
Bev Morse and Brian Miller
Joe and Krys Mortellaro
Steve and Jeanne Mullendore
Susan Murray and Ross Murray
Joseph G. and Sally Nelson
John and Carol Sue Owens
Michael Percy
Mark and Denise Ramser
Robert and Fran Rodstrom
Sarah Rogan
John Ryerson
Howard and Judy Sacks
Reginald Sanders
Will and Donna Scott
David and Lisa Seitz
Ruth Sinclair
Ken Smail
Stephen and Janis Stone
Austin and Carolyn Swallow
Oh-Kyung Taylor
Robert and Diana Tocheff
Dennis and Pat Tuttle
Sarah Wagner
Bonnie Warren
Jay and Barbara Wilson
Dr. David Wineland, I-Care Center
BENEFACTOR
Stephen and Anna Banbury
Keith and Kate Burley
Cliff and Linda Davis
Bob and Sue Denzer
Carola and Juan Depascuale
Carol Garner and Otho Eyster
Kay Fry
Grey and P. J. Glandon
BENEFACTOR (con’t)
Karen Gruner
Thomas and Janet Hoffman
Bob Steurer and Ann Jordan
Sara Lynn Kerr
Bruce and Deborah Kinzer
Terry and Val Klopcic
Knox County Republicans
Jane Lentz
Jessica Locke
James and Bonnie Magaw
Loi Morris
Mount Vernon Music Boosters
Susan Ramser and Chris Bowman
Dotti Riggs
Michael and Valerie Schillaci
Mr and Mrs Kurt Schisler
Jerry and Barbara Walker Simpson
Barry and Connie Thomson
Lawrence E. and Nancy R. Vail
Harry and Karen Weber
Rita Yarman
PATRONS
Mary Bakewell
Todd and Christy Burson
Bob and Mary Crumm
Diane Dingler
Jeff Fetters
Marcia Fisk
Jeanne and Ron Griggs
Ken and Claudia Grove
Tom and Jill Grubb
Inge Krajenski
Sara Lawhon
Jerry and Sara Mann
Patricia Mickley
Susie Railsback
Anna Duke and Rob Reach
Gerald and Sydney Schardt
Kathy Sherman
Joyce Skocic
Amy Stewart
Mr and Mrs Geoffrey Stokes
David G. Tovey
The growth of the Knox County Symphony is one of Knox County’s shining achievements. The creation of the Symphony in 1965 had three purposes according to founder Paul Schwartz: first, to provide a training ground for young musicians of high school and college age; second, to provide a performance outlet for community musicians; and third, to provide musical fare that was both educational and entertaining for Knox County audiences.
The Symphony, through the continued generosity of hundreds of county businesses and individuals, has attained and surpassed these goals. The concerts feature soloists of national and international stature as well as superb local musicians, and the prowess of the orchestra has improved over time. The Symphony assists qualified members of the orchestra in receiving private instruction in order to help them reach their full potential. The Knox County Symphony has earned a central place in the cultural life of the community and maintains as its mission the fostering of classical music-making by and for our residents.
The Symphony will begin its season as before in the beautiful R. R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium on the Mount Vernon Nazarene University campus. For the winter and spring programs, the Kenyon campus has opened a new underground parking garage which will offer new routes to gain access to Rosse Hall. Updates for how to traverse this and other areas, and for specific handicap assistance, will be made prior to our Winter and Spring concerts. Check the Knox County Symphony website for the most up-to-date information.
President's Letter
August 2024
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our 59th consecutive season and Dr. Benjamin Locke’s 41st year as conductor of the Knox County Symphony. We are delighted to have you join us for an engaging medley of exceptional musical experiences.
It’s always so much fun to kick off our season with the free Children’s Concert at Ariel-Foundation Park! Plan on attending this high-spirited event for people of all ages on Sunday afternoon, September 29th at 3:00 p.m. The Gund associates from Kenyon College will enhance the musical experience by providing art activities for the Symphony’s youngest patrons. Following the concert, we invite you to join us for home-made cookies and fresh apple cider.
An elegant Fall Concert awaits us at the Mount Vernon Nazarene University, beginning with Beethoven and ending with a piece by African American composer Florence B. Price. At our very popular Winter Concert, and as part of our educational mission, we will continue the tradition of showcasing the winners of The Young Musicians Competition. In the spring, our final concert of the season will come to a crescendo featuring the renowned cellist
Luis Biava as our guest soloist.
Please consider subscribing for season tickets. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the cultural growth of our community and incorporate fine, classical music into your lives. Because music is a gift to be shared, we are again offering two free guest tickets to the concert of your choice with each subscription. As ticket sales account for only a small portion of our annual budget, please consider providing support above the basic membership level. See the enclosed brochure for the various tax-deductible patron levels for which your name will appear in every program.
Please consult our website and stay up to date with all the latest information regarding this season’s exciting, upcoming events.
I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the musicians and you, their patrons. I can be reached at
Thank you for your unwavering support that has enabled people of all ages to discover the beauty and power of classical music.
With sincere appreciation,
Magic McBride
President, The Knox County Symphony Board