Mission
The mission of the Heritage Philharmonic is to provide the Jackson County community with excellent, affordable and convenient orchestral music programs by using both professional and volunteer musicians. We celebrate life-long musical skills development for all levels of players.
History
Franklyn Weddle
Before adopting the name Heritage Philharmonic, the orchestra was known as the Independence Symphony Orchestra. The organization was founded in 1944 when Franklyn Weddle, Music Director of the RLDS Church, recruited a small orchestra to accompany the 29th annual production of Handel's Messiah. Twenty-eight musicians signed on and the Symphony Orchestra was born. Harold Neal served as the Orchestra's second conductor and music director, and he led the Orchestra for many years until he retired in 1982.
The years since have proven to be robust as the Orchestra's concert schedule grew and additional initiatives were undertaken. Jack Ergo served as conductor and music director for 25 seasons, and he has served as Conductor Laureate since 2005. James Murray joined the Heritage Philharmonic and currently holds the position of Conductor and Music Director.
The Heritage Philharmonic also administers the Young Artist Competition awarding scholarships and providing performance opportunities with the Philharmonic to area students. For more than 20 years, the Heritage Philharmonic has awarded musical performance to youth in the Jackson County community through the Young Artist scholarship program. Winners of the competition are featured in the May performance with the Philharmonic.
The Heritage Philharmonic performers include more than 60 student, volunteer and professional musicians. Heritage Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 organization.
The years since have proven to be robust as the Orchestra's concert schedule grew and additional initiatives were undertaken. Jack Ergo served as conductor and music director for 25 seasons, and he has served as Conductor Laureate since 2005. James Murray joined the Heritage Philharmonic and currently holds the position of Conductor and Music Director.
The Heritage Philharmonic also administers the Young Artist Competition awarding scholarships and providing performance opportunities with the Philharmonic to area students. For more than 20 years, the Heritage Philharmonic has awarded musical performance to youth in the Jackson County community through the Young Artist scholarship program. Winners of the competition are featured in the May performance with the Philharmonic.
The Heritage Philharmonic performers include more than 60 student, volunteer and professional musicians. Heritage Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 organization.