Pocatello has supported a community orchestra for more than a century. Today, that tradition lives on through the Idaho State-Civic Symphony—a unique collaboration of community musicians, Idaho State University (ISU) students, and faculty members, performing together in a dynamic blend of local and academic talent.

The origins of the orchestra trace back to the early days of the Academy of Idaho, the institution now known as ISU. By the early 1920s, an orchestra had formed under the direction of Llewellyn Roubidoux. In 1928, Professor Donald Kissane took over leadership and envisioned a unified ensemble combining university and community musicians, formally launching the Pocatello Symphony Orchestra.

A new era began just before World War II. In 1943, conductor Gibson Walter strengthened the orchestra’s string section through intensive private instruction and spotlighted young local talent by presenting them as soloists—an initiative that raised public awareness of the community’s musical excellence. Though this young artist program was discontinued for a time, it was revived in 2010 as a biennial event now known as the Young Artists Competition.

In the late 1940s, the orchestra was featured in the Pocatello Community Concert Association’s programs, performing one or two concerts annually.

Dr. Harold (Hal) Mealy became conductor in 1947, serving until 1969. Under his leadership, the Idaho State-Civic Symphony Association was founded in 1953, led by Ralph Comstock, Sr., with Don C. Brown elected as its first president. Thanks to their guidance and the support of a dedicated women’s auxiliary, the Symphony’s financial health improved significantly through fundraising and patron contributions.

Following Dr. Mealy’s tenure, the Symphony was conducted by:

• Dr. Don McGolthan

• Dr. H. James Schoepflin (1972–73 season)

• Dr. Alan Stanek (1976–77 season)

• Dr. Gregory Fried (1981–83 seasons)

In 1977, the Association was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with officers Dr. William Brydon, John Looze, Blaine Gasser, Lloyd Browning, and Sally Johnson. The amended articles of incorporation ensured compliance with federal charitable regulations.

Dr. Thom Ritter George became Conductor and Artistic Director in the 1983–84 season, leading the Symphony through its longest and most influential tenure to date, lasting until 2006–07. A major milestone during this time was the Symphony’s first performance in the new Stephens Performing Arts Center Jensen Hall on April 20, 2005.

Since 2007, the Symphony has seen several changes in leadership, including both permanent and interim conductors:

• Dr. Thom Ritter George (1983–84 to 2006–07)

• Acting Conductors (2007–08): Dr. George Adams & Dr. Patrick Brooks (ISU Faculty)

• Dr. Chung Park (2008–09 to 2011–12)

• Dr. George Adams, Interim (2012–13)

• Dr. Grant Harville (2013–14 to 2016–17)

• Dr. Julie Sorensen, Interim (2017–18); Conductor & Artistic Director (2018–19 to 2020–21)

• Interim Conductors (2021–22): Dr. Scott Anderson, Connor Gray Covington, Jennifer Drake

• Dr. Nell Flanders (2022–23 to present)

During the 2019–2020 season, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the Symphony’s final two concerts beginning in March 2020. Determined not to let the Symphony go dark, the organization quickly adapted. With technical support from ISU (notably John Young), a full virtual season was successfully produced for 2020–21. This achievement reflected the commitment and collaboration of the musicians, Conductor Dr. Julie Sorensen, and the Symphony’s Board of Directors.

Following Dr. Sorensen’s departure, the 2021–22 season was led by a team of distinguished interim conductors. In 2022, Dr. Nell Flanders was appointed Conductor and Artistic Director and joined the ISU faculty, continuing the Symphony’s tradition of excellence.

From its earliest days, the Symphony has featured distinguished guest performers. Notable early artists include Grant Johannesen, Ruggiero Ricci, Louis Kaufmann, and Joseph Schuster. Over the decades, world-class musicians such as Kathleen Battle, Eugen Sarbu, The Pablo Casals Trio, The Kingston Trio, Joe Foss, The Canadian Brass, The Four Freshmen, and renowned local talents like pianist Mark Neiwirth and opera star Hans Gregory Ashbaker have performed with the Symphony.

In recent years, the Symphony has continued to draw major talent, including Broadway stars Nathaniel Stampley, Phumzile Sojola, Andrea Jones-Sojola, and concert pianist Jeffrey Biegel.

Sources: Organization Plan (1983, author unknown), Joan Collett, Ron Bolinger – 2024