Established as the Plano Chamber Orchestra in 1983, the Plano Symphony Orchestra Association is a non-profit, tax-exempt Texas corporation with responsibility for governance vested in a Board of Directors elected by the corporation membership. In 1984, the Board of Directors established a volunteer committee (ENCORE) to assist in attaining its goals and purposes. In 1998, ENCORE was reorganized with ENCORE becoming the ‘umbrella name” for the symphony’s volunteer and social groups: The Guild; Friends; and Applause (see Guild brochure for details). In 1993, an ADVISORY COUNCIL was established to provide input on issues affecting the future of the Plano Symphony. In the 2003-04 season the Guild established its Debutante Program of activities for young women and their parents centered around the symphony concerts and volunteer activities.  Participation in this program also brings in new financial resources and builds new audiences.

Plano Symphony has a history of gradual expansion in its offerings, building from three concerts in 1983-84, to over 100 concerts and ensemble, and educational appearances in 2004-05.  By expanding gradually, the orchestra has been able to build artistic excellence as well as maintain fiscal responsibility. 

The Plano Symphony has an appropriate venue for concerts at the 1550 seat Eisemann Center.  Excellent acoustics, orchestra shell, stage space, attractive and spacious lobby and comfortable seats all make this hall a beautiful venue for musicians, artists, and audience.  This venue allowed for expansion of the string section and opportunities to collaborate with choirs and dance. St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, known for its incredible acoustics, is the alternate venue, booked when the Eisemann is not available.  This venue also seats 1500 so all subscribers can be accommodated on one performance.  When the Arts Hall of Collin County opens in 2010, the Plano Symphony expects to move its performances to that 2100 seat hall.

The Plano Symphony offers a comprehensive program for all Plano, Frisco, and Wylie fourth graders and private school and home-schooled children. A concert is designed by the music director, director of education  and the PISD fine arts director using Texas fourth grade curriculum. (see enclosed program for 2006).  A power point presentation of lesson plans and CD’s of the music are provided to each school so that the music teacher can familiarize the students with the musical and rhythmic ideas, the composers, etc. Prior to the concert, an orchestra musician visits the classrooms so that children experience an up-close and personal instrumental demonstration and learn about professional arts.. In addition, many schools book the Instrument Petting Zoo, a collection of real instruments children can pick up and handle, a program delivered at no charge to the school or other groups.

The Plano Symphony has chosen to be a professional orchestra with compensated artistic and management personnel and has sought to attain its high artistic standards through solid institutional planning and faithful adherence to principles of sound non-profit management.