About Us
For 110 years, Wausau has had a rich musical tradition, and the Wausau Symphony and Band is proud to be a part of that tradition. Our musicians come from all areas of the community - students, teachers, retirees and professionals from all walks of life. We also work to strengthen school music programs through educational outreach designed to help students to further develop their skills and talents.
The Wausau Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1941 by a group of community-dedicated women who called themselves the "Tuesday Night Club". They persuaded Faye Bricken, a violinist from New York, to relocate here to teach music and start an orchestra. Thus began the Wausau Symphony.
In 1979, the orchestra was separated into two performing instrumental groups, and a chamber chorus was organized. This was the creation of the Wausau Chamber Orchestra (later known as our Symphony Orchestra) and Wind Ensemble (now our Symphonic Band). In 1984 a Jazz Ensemble was added to the organization.
WSB provides area musicians the opportunity to practice in an orchestra/professional setting, to study with fellow musicians and to play and perform with world-class conductors and solo artists.
Help support the Wausau Symphony and Band fulfill its potential and advance its philosophy in Central Wisconsin. Concert Sponsors, donations, in-kind giving and volunteers are always needed. For more information, contact the WS&B office at (715) 298-2100 or by email at info@wsandb.org.
Board of Directors
Trayce W. Skogstad - Executive Director
Officers:
- Jon Greenwood - President
- Shereen Skola - Vice President
- Todd Toppen - Treasurer
- Rus Wiegand - Secretary
- Ted Aarestad - Music Director, Wausau Symphonic Band and Wausau Jazz Ensemble
- Daniel Larson - Music Director, Wausau Symphony Orchestra
- Amy Neumann - Concertmistress, Wausau Symphony Orchestra
- Duane Askew
- Juan Fernandez
- Mike Hesch
- Lynette McCool
- Kay Meyer (Immediate Past President)
- Barb Oelke
History
The Wausau Symphony is perhaps the oldest symphony in the state of Wisconsin. The first documented concert was held January 25, 1898 under the name of "Philharmonic Society". Lead by Jacob Reuter a violin virtuoso who had previously moved to Wausau to teach violin in 1896, started with a studio of 40 students. Historical references show that Mr. Reuter would gather area musicians for frequent concerts and use the name of "Wausau Symphony" along with "Wausau Orchestra Club." Concerts were held into the 1940's and sadly Mr. Reuter passed away in 1945 at the age of 79.
In 1940, the group with the help and financial support of a local group known as the "Tuesday Music Club" was reorganized. Fay Bricken served as the group conductor for several years before he joined the armed forces in 1944. LaVerne Peterson then stepped up to conduct the group.
Conductors in the 1950's through the 1970's included Dr. Hugo Marple, John Fitzgerald, Sister Shirley Wagner, and then in 1980 Dr. Jon Borowitz.
At a 50th anniversary held in 1973, long-time orchestra members were honored including Louise Elster an orchestra member since 1934, K.R.N. Grill since 1923, Thomas Litzer Sr. since 1941, and Herb Walters since 1945.
It should be noted that Louis Pradt who currently plays in the Wausau Symphony and Band started playing with the group in 1956 and has played flute, oboe, clarinet, and saxophone with the group.
In 1980, then conductor Dr. Jon Borowitz suggested the Symphony add a Wind Ensemble (Band), and Choir to the Wausau Symphony. A few years later a Jazz Ensemble would be added. Conductors of the groups were Tom Wellin conductor of the symphony and Peter Fobia conductor of the Wind Ensemble. Karen Haines was conductor of the choir. Tom Maeck would also conduct the Wind Ensemble for several years in the late 1980's.
In the 1990's Mr. Ted Aarrestad would become conductor of the Wind Ensemble which grew in size and was re-named Wausau Symphonic Band. Mr. Aarrestad celebrates his 20th year with the group in 2008! Dr. Patrick Miles would also join the organization as conductor of the Wausau Symphony during that time. Most recently Mr. Daniel Larson joined the organization as conductor of the Wausau Symphony and will celebrate his 5th year with the group in 2008.
Notes: The Wausau Symphony celebrated its 100 season a 10 years ago, and during that time Don Aucutt and the Marathon County Historical Museum helped provide information. We are still missing programs and information from the 1950's and 1960's so if you have a program, photos or have a story to share, please let us know.
Written by Paula Clark, longtime flutist with the Wausau Symphony & Band.
