Kokomo Symphony Orchestra

Uniting Our Community Through Musical Excellence

Welcome to the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra, where musical excellence meets the heart and soul of our community. As a local cultural resource, the Kokomo Symphonic Society, Inc. is organized to cultivate, nurture and enhance the cultural climate of Kokomo, Howard County and the surrounding region by providing musical programs and experiences that are informative, educational and entertaining. Join us in celebrating the power of music as we unite our community through musical excellence.

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50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign

50 Days for $50,000 for 50 Years!

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TV Dinner Singalong & Silent Auction Fundraiser - Celebrating the 70s!

October 28, 2023 7:00 PM

The Experience at the Kokomo Country Club

Join us for the 3rd Annual TV Dinner Fundraiser as we gather for dinner & music, trivia, Name That Tune and a silent auction. Come and enjoy listening to our TV Dinner band as we celebrate and sing along to your favorite songs of the 70s! Join us for a groovy evening while supporting your local symphony!

Buy a Table - $500

Buy a Seat - $60

Be a Part of Our Symphony’s Story: Advertise in Next Season’s Program Booklet!

Capture the attention of our audience by advertising in the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra’s 51st season program booklet. This is your chance to showcase your business, extend your reach and support the arts in our vibrant community.

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Testimonials

Voices of Inspiration: What Our Community is Saying About Us

The 2022 Holiday TV Dinner Fundraiser was a super enjoyable event for my family and friends that were at my table. We all ranged in ages from 60+ all the way to my 8-year old granddaughter. It was so much fun for all of us to play the Christmas movie themed trivia game and learn what we didn’t know about some of the movies we’ve seen over and over. The area set up to take holiday pictures was so pretty and the selection of silent auction baskets was amazing!

Anonymous

When my friend and I attended the 2022 Holiday Brass Quintet mini concert at Grace United Methodist Church we didn’t really know what to expect with just brass instruments because we are used to hearing all instruments performing holiday music. We were pleasantly surprised and left with a wonderful holiday feeling! The musicians went out of their way to encourage audience participation which really made this mini concert an awesome experience. I admire these musicians for being so versatile not only with their instruments but with their skills in getting the audience to open up. There was much laughter as well as some well-known holiday sing-a-long music. Very enjoyable!!!

Anonymous

I have enjoyed attending the symphony events the past several years due to the great music performed by fantastic musicians.

Dianna L.

The String Quartet No. 3 and Serenade No. 1 were amazing! I enjoyed a lovely evening full of wonderful music with my husband.

Jacqueline S.

I always love listening to the excellent live music of the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra. They always perform such beautiful music that pleases and satisfies the soul.

Jon W.

I enjoy classical music and learned about some composers I was not previously familiar with. Thank you for a beautiful concert!

Deb J.

Although I wasn’t already familiar with much of the music I heard, I enjoyed it so much. The tickets were gifted to me because of my love of music. It was a beautiful experience.

Dietra J.

I’m so glad we came. I was very intrigued by the minimalism. Thank you, we had a wonderful date night!

Joanne C.

My friend invited me to tonight’s performance, and I’m so glad I came. I loved it! Thank you for bringing back wonderful memories of familiar music.

Nova G.

I was excited to hear the strings. I’d never heard of minimalism in classical music, but it was so interesting. I loved hearing music from some great movies. Thank you for a very enjoyable concert!

Marsha S.

Thank you for bringing this experience to Kokomo. I enjoy live classical music performances, and I’m so happy I came.

Juanita D.

Katie Huddleston

Cello Instructor

Katie Huddleston’s musical journey began in Goshen, Indiana, where she discovered her love for the cello before transitioning to the captivating world of the string bass. As the first-ever String Bass major at Manchester University, she graduated in 2015 and embarked on a fulfilling career.

With a passion for teaching, Katie has shared her expertise through private lessons and served as an orchestra director at Eastern Howard School Corporation. She has also performed with esteemed symphony orchestras, including those in Manchester, Kokomo, Anderson and Muncie Indiana.

In 2018, Katie joined the Kokomo Youth Orchestra (KYO) as an instructor, nurturing the talents of students from the community who may not have access to formal music classes. Her role at Wallace Elementary School of Integrated Arts as a Violin teacher allows her to inspire young learners and share her passion for music on a broader scale.

Driven by her dedication to music education and her unwavering love for the bass, Katie continues to make a positive impact on students’ lives and the Kokomo music community. Her passion, experience and commitment to excellence serve as a testament to her invaluable contributions in shaping the next generation of musicians.

José Valencia

Artistic Director

José Valencia is a highly regarded conductor and violinist making significant contributions to Indiana’s music scene and beyond. Alongside his role with the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra (KSO), he is the founding music director and artistic advisor of the innovative Orkestra Project based in Indianapolis. Additionally, he serves as the Assistant Conductor and Concertmaster of the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra and the Assistant Concertmaster of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra.

With a passion for nurturing young talents, Mr. Valencia has worked extensively with youth orchestras in Indiana and Kentucky. His diverse academic background includes the study of Russian, enabling him to coach the Indianapolis Opera chorus and take the lead in the production of Tchaikovsky’s opera, Eugene Onegin, as the first Russian language production by the Indianapolis Opera.

Mr. Valencia’s talent as a conductor has been recognized internationally. In 2000, he secured the first-place position in the Fourth Karelia-Sochi Conducting Master Class/Competition held in Russia. He was subsequently invited back to the Sochi Philharmonic Symphony as the Principal Guest Conductor, leading four concerts during their 2001-2002 season. Alongside his conducting commitments, José Valencia maintains an active teaching studio in Indianapolis.

José Valencia’s exceptional artistry, versatility, and dedication to music have made him a respected figure in the music community. With his dynamic leadership, he continues to shape and elevate the orchestral landscape, leaving an indelible impact on audiences and aspiring musicians alike.

Sean Carey

Youth Programs Director

Sean Carey is a distinguished graduate of Indiana State University’s School of Music, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with Magna Cum Laude honors. Under the tutelage of Dr. Bill Davis, he honed his violin skills and emerged as a talented musician.

Throughout his musical journey, Sean has showcased his expertise as a concertmaster for the ISU Symphony Orchestra, the Masterworks Chorale, Concert Choir and Sycamore Singers. He has also contributed his time and knowledge as an instructor for the Crossroads of America Youth Orchestra Preparatory Strings and as a student violin instructor at the Community School of the Arts.

As an ISU Service Learning Scholar, Sean forged a partnership between the Crossroads of America Youth Orchestra and Deming Elementary School, establishing an enriching afterschool strings program in Terre Haute, IN.

Currently, Sean serves as a music teacher at Wallace Elementary School of Integrated Arts and as the orchestra director at Central Middle International School in Kokomo. His dedication to nurturing young talent extends to his involvement with the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra and its exceptional youth programs.

With unwavering passion and a commitment to excellence, Sean Carey continues to inspire students and contribute to the Kokomo music community. His contributions to the symphony orchestra and youth programs are invaluable, making a lasting impact on future musicians.