About
The community orchestra for Newton, Harvey County, and the surrounding area since 1956, NMKSO presents classical music performed by local musicians. The season includes two classics concerts, summer chamber music, school outreach, and special events. Players comprise professional and community musicians, educators, and outstanding students.
Mission of NMKSO: to be an outstanding community orchestra that advocates and performs great symphonic music for Newton and the surrounding region.
Vision: NMKSO is a community-based organization which provides area residents the opportunity to perform and appreciate a variety of orchestral literature. Through our concerts and outreach programs we strive to educate and inspire audiences and enrich the artistic, economic, and cultural life of the community.
Music Director
Past Directors
Thomas Douglas
2011-2019
Pittsburgh, PA
Diego Sánchez Haase
Asuncion, Paraguay
2005-2009
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
Daniel Hege
1993-2004
Syracuse Symphony Orchestra
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
Board Members
Kenna Graber, President
Randy Earles, Vice-President
Ben LichtiAshley Bridgeman, Treasurer
Deborah Hamm, Executive Secretary
Jill Gatz
Seth Girton
Jennifer Chappell Deckert
Christine Downey-Schmidt
Cathy Edwards
Stephanie Flaming
Joel Garber
Renee Lewis
Sue Meacham
Joey Menninga
Harold Schorn
Kathy Stucky
Chris Teichler
Mary Jane Waltner
Music Director
Chris David Westover-Muñoz
Honorary Members
Don Kehrberg
Donna Woolery
In Memoriam
Dwight Beckham, Sr.
Walter C. Claassen
Gertrude Olson
NMKSO Guild
Gayle Funk, Grace Notes Consultant
Rachel Unruh, Social Media Associate Member
Barbara Bunting
Marvin Dirks
Ruthann Dirks
Lois Friesen
Ron Garber
Harold Gregg
Judy Hand
Harv Hiebert
Jan Hoberecht
Bonnie Krehbiel
Jane Jones
Justina Neufeld
Keith Neufeld
Rachel Newell
Merrill Raber
Tjaden Sadowski
Trish Schimming
Harold Schorn
John Sheriff
Ryan Simmonds
Sarah Smith
Bev Stigge
Allen Wedel
Margie Wiens
Laura Williams
Stephen Williams