The Bremerton Symphony Association of the Board of Directors has adopted a long range plan it will implement over the next five years. Among the goals of the plan is to “achieve stability in the orchestra and build on its current quality”.

In order to meet that goal, the Association decided it was important to compensate its musicians for each concert, which it will begin doing starting with the 2001-2002 season.

“By offering a modest compensation, we hope to attract additional players and begin the formation of a core orchestra that can better serve the community of Bremerton and the West Sound,” said Anita Williams, Board President.

The other two goals are to “Increase the financial strength of the organization” and to expand the audience by drawing from a wider geographical area.

The Bremerton Symphony Association was established in 1942 and has grown to include over 60 orchestra musicians and approximately 80 chorale members. Last spring, Music Director/Orchestra Conductor John Welsh replaced retiring Maestro Charles Bontrager. During his six-year tenure, Bontrager led the orchestra to a new level of high quality artistic production and helped to establish a broad base of community support.

Conductor Welsh said of the organization, “I look forward to the challenge of continuing its artist growth and enlarging its role in the community. The adoption of such a forward-looking plan will provide us with the resources to truly take our place in the West Sound region as its primary artistic force.”

To achieve its goals, the group will be actively seeking additional financial support from the community including funding through grants from public and private sources.

An outreach program will be established to explore possibilities of taking symphony performances to other venues in the West Sound area as well as focus on bringing additional audiences to performances in Bremerton.

“Our vision is to have a premiere orchestra serving the entire West Sound,” said Williams.

For more information, call (360) 373-1722.