History of KSO
A Journey Through Time: Our Historical Timeline
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1971
The Indiana Symphonette Advisory Committee is founded in cooperation with the Office of Continuing Education at Indiana University of Kokomo, and an orchestra is formed. Mr. Benjamin DelVecchio is hired as conductor and manager.
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1973
In April, the organization is incorporated under the name “Kokomo Symphonic Society, Inc.” The orchestra is hereafter known as “The Kokomo Symphony”. A professional string quartet is hired.
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1974
The Symphonic Chorus is founded. A series of in-school concerts is inaugurated to be performed by the Symphony and Kokomo Symphony Ensembles.
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1980
The budget increases to $53,869.
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1981
DelVecchio resigns. Dr. Michael J. Esselstrom is hired as the conductor and music director. Barbara Cassis is hired as the manager.
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1982
Recruitment in schools begins for Youth Orchestra.
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1983
The Summer Youth Orchestra is established.
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1984
The Society presents the first “Concert Pair” (two concerts).
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1985
The Endowment Committee is formed. Cassis is named its executive director.
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1988
The Symphonic Chorus dissolves.
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1991
Esselstrom resigns. Brian T. Groner is hired as the conductor and music director. The Board of Directors votes to pay all Kokomo Symphony Orchestra board members.
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1992
A pilot string program is initiated in the fourth grade at the Kokomo-Center Township School Corporation. Kathryn Conner is hired to rebuild the Symphonic Chorus.
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1994
The Endowment Committee sponsors a 5K run/walk fundraiser.
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1995
The budget increases to $149,600.
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.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Ellen began playing the cello in third grade, discovering a passion for music that has shaped both her education and career. She began teaching during her junior and senior years of high school, working with elementary-aged students in her community. That passion for music education continued through college and beyond as she maintained teaching private cello lessons while living in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Conductor and violinist José Valencia has built a career around a simple conviction: orchestral music is most powerful when musicians and audiences feel genuinely connected to it.
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.