Kettle Moraine Symphony: 40+ Years and Going Strong!
The Kettle Moraine Symphony was founded in 1968 as the Moraine Symphony Orchestra by its current Music Director, Albert (Bud) Asch and a group of classical music enthusiasts, and was sponsored by University of Wisconsin - Washington County in West Bend.
Now in its 42nd year, the Kettle Moraine Symphony is a regional orchestra whose approximately 60 playing members and its Board of Directors come from 20 different communities in the Kettle Moraine area. The orchestra's mission is to enhance music appreciation, provide musicians with opportunities to perform, educate audiences, and build community support for the arts. The KMS is a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization that relies on community support, grants, donations, and sponsorships.
Albert "Bud" Asch has his roots in northern Kentucky, but has been Washington County's dean of music since the 1960's when he was hired to head the music department at UWWC. As one of the founders of the symphony, Bud as served as music director and principal conductor for most of its history. He recently moved to the position of President of the Board, in order to better serve the business side of the organization, but still conducts occasionally. He also pursues many other avocations, including photography and motorcycle touring.
Paul N. Thorgaard is Principal Conductor of the Kettle Moraine Symphony. From 1974 to 2006 he was Director of Orchestras at Wauwatosa East High School and Longfellow Middle School. In May 1995, Mr. Thorgaard was awarded a Kohl Fellowship for excellence in teaching by the Senator Herbert Kohl Educational Foundation. In April, 2003, he was awarded the Civic Music Association of Milwaukee’s Award for Excellence in Instrumental Music. He is a member of Music Educators National Conference and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and serves as a Master Adjudicator for Wisconsin School Music Association Festivals. As an undergraduate he studied clarinet with Russell Dagon and Jack Snavely. As a graduate student he studied violin with Dr. Gerald Fischbach, and Dr. Abram Loft. He holds Master of Music in Conducting, Master of Science in Educational Administration, and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Education degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Mr. Thorgaard also serves as Music Director at Galilee Lutheran Church in Pewaukee.
Allison Berndt is French hornist who studied music and journalism at Valparaiso University in Indiana (class of ’05). She enjoys working in church music and arts administration. Prior to being named executive director of the Kettle Moraine Symphony, she has been business manager of the Concord Chamber Orchestra (Milwaukee area) and worked with box office sales and marketing at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, WI.
In addition to working half-time with the Kettle Moraine Symphony, Allison is the contemporary music director/keyboardist and Children’s Choir director at Norway Lutheran Church in Wind Lake, WI. She is just about through completing her Master of Church Music Degree at Concordia University (expected in fall of 2010).
Karla Siegler serves as Concertmaster for KMS.
Ticket Information
Tickets are generally $15 and $12/students & seniors. Call for large group rates. Children may attend most concerts for $5. (Adult admission to the Children's Concert is $10, and $20 total for 2 Adults and 2 Children.) Please call, write or email the KMS Office to place ticket orders. You will find our contact information at the bottom of this page. To print a Season Ticket order form, click here.