A Noteworthy Step For Nic Symphony

The North Idaho College Symphony Orchestra has grown up.

Following a decision Wednesday night by NIC’s trustees, the symphony has separated from the college and become the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra.

“Someone said it’s a divorce. We said no, it’s not a divorce, it’s like a graduation. The orchestra has grown and thrived under the auspices of the college, and now we’re graduating. We’re going to have to go out on our own, as students do,” said Harold Smart, chairman of the Symphony Guild, the orchestra’s nonprofit fund-raising organization.

Up until now, the orchestra has been a committee within NIC’s Foundation, the fund-raising arm of the college. The foundation has assisted with bookkeeping, oversight of the guild’s budget and clerical support. Ticket money from concerts went to the college, though the guild received income from memberships.

Under the new agreement, the guild will receive ticket revenues and will pay rent to the college for use of Boswell Hall’s Schuler Auditorium. Todd Snyder, an NIC music instructor, will still conduct the orchestra and it will continue to offer spots to NIC music students.

“It makes sense now that the guild has grown and matured,” said Steve Schenk, executive director of the NIC Foundation. “The foundation can give up its role as parent and move back to its broader focused mission.”

Schenk noted that the foundation and the guild voted unanimously for the separation.

“Both groups see this as a cause for celebration,” Schenk said. “We wish them a lot of luck.”

One orchestra member said the separation will help the public realize that this orchestra is mostly made up of community members.

“There has been the perception among the community that this is a college orchestra, even though there’s only about 10 students in the orchestra,” said Julie Crandall, who plays cello.

Crandall, whose husband Jeff is secretary of the guild, said she’s excited about the change.

“I think it will tend to attract a higher caliber of musician,” she said. “It will allow the orchestra to really pursue its own goals and to increase their freedom.”

She applauded the college for allowing the orchestra to go its own way.

“I think it’s generous that they are willing to relinquish credit for the orchestra,” she said. “By all accounts, it’s a positive thing for them. It’s generous of them to allow us to go by the name Coeur d’Alene.”

Smart said the separation could mean more concerts, and possibly a summer concert series.

“I feel that the prospects are unlimited,” he said. “After all, what better place can you have than the Coeur d’Alene area to expand in this way?”