History:

The Ashland Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has had a rich history over the past eighty-four years. The first known attempt at forming a local orchestra was announced in the January 14, 1925 edition of the Ashland Times-Gazette. The article stated that, “a careful check has been made of Ashland musicians, and it is expected a forty piece orchestra can be made. This is not to be a church orchestra, a lodge orchestra, or a dance orchestra, but an Ashland orchestra made up of Ashland’s best musicians.” The organizers were Mrs. Robert Smilie, Jacob Heitz, local band director, Mrs. J.A. Chater, local violin instructor and Louis E. Pete, city schools music director.