Skagit Symphony

Skagit Symphony’s mission is to present professional-level orchestral experiences to a growing and inclusive audience; to enrich, entertain, educate, and inspire our community through music. Although our roots go back to 1961 when musicians at Skagit Valley College formed a college orchestra, “Skagit Valley Symphony” was officially born in 1979 as an all-volunteer orchestra under the auspices of the College Foundation. In 1992, the Symphony separated from the Foundation to form an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization managed by a volunteer board of directors. Today our orchestra, Skagit Symphony, has over 60 volunteer members representing many communities of our region: Anacortes, Arlington, Bellingham, Bow, Burlington, Camano Island, Coupeville, Everett, La Conner, Lynden, Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor, Sedro-Woolley, and Silvana. Our talented and dedicated musicians range in age from 16 to 80. Many have been playing in the orchestra for over 20 years! The orchestra rehearses on Monday evenings in the fellowship hall of Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church. They prepare for four evening concerts over the course of the season, all performed at McIntyre Hall. The orchestra also presents three School Concerts and a community Family Concert at McIntyre each year, as part of Skagit Symphony’s Education Program. In addition to our Music Director, the Symphony currently has four employees who manage the administration of the organization: Executive Director, Operations Manager, Orchestra Manager, and Office Assistant. Several contractors provide additional services (such as graphic design, music library management, etc.), to complement the work of our regular staff and the efforts of over 60 volunteers who organize fundraising events, help out at the Symphony office, and serve on the Symphony’s many committees. Our volunteer board of directors meets monthly, and oversees the health and well-being of the entire organization. The Music Director and Executive Director report to the Board President.