History of the Lone Tree Symphony– The Beginning

By Nancy Casper 5/2/2025  

The Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra was formed in the summer of 2000.  Joan Nelson, original founder of the LTSO, was a Lone Tree resident at the time and saw the need and desire for more fine arts programs in the northern Douglas County area.  Joan, Jacinda Bouton, Joyce Fionda (former LTSO trombonist 2000-2005) and I drove together to downtown each week for Denver Concert Band rehearsals.  There were many lively discussions on I-25 about the possibility of starting a new community orchestra.  Could it really become a reality, could we find musicians, would we have an audience, what wonderful music could we play?  So many details to think about.   After several carpool conversations, Jacinda Bouton, also a Lone Tree resident, bravely accepted the position of Music Director.  Jacinda immediately got to work and began searching for music the new group could perform.  Little did she know of the adventure in store for her over the next 25 years!  I also bravely volunteered to serve as the Personnel Director and began the search for musicians – especially strings.  Joyce became the LTSO’s most enthusiastic volunteer and historian until her passing in 2005.  Joan enlisted the help of several other musicians and friends and the LTSO was born! 

Joan and her husband worked tirelessly to get the word out about the new orchestra.  Press releases were sent out to the newspapers on August 14, 2000, and a rehearsal and venue space was found for free at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lone Tree.  Ads were put in the newspapers calling for musicians.   On September 8, 2000 an organizational meeting for the new orchestra was held at Joan’s home in Lone Tree.  To our surprise, over 40 excited musicians attended.  On September 21, 2000 the first rehearsal was held in the basement of Cornerstone Baptist Church.  Over the course of the next several weeks, more musicians were added to fill out each section.   The LTSO also planned for the first of 3 free concerts during the 2000-2001 season. 

In October 2000, the LTSO received funding from the Lone Tree Arts Commission, in addition to numerous private and corporate donations and income from the sale of program ads.   The first Board of Directors was elected and the LTSO Handbook and By-Laws were published.

Orchestra members began advertising the concert by word of mouth to friends and family.  More newspaper articles, including the Lone Tree Voice, were published.  Outdoor signs advertising the concert were made and put up in front of the church and alongside the roadways in Lone Tree.  On Friday evening, November 17, 2000 the LTSO performed its very first free concert to a packed house at Cornerstone Baptist Church.   47 musicians were on the program roster.  I will never forget the excitement of seeing the audience that evening and playing those first few notes.  The orchestra opened with Verdi’s Grand March from “Aida” and ended with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1.  A challenging program for our first performance!  Jack O’Boyle, Mayor of the City of Lone Tree at that time, was our honorary Guest Concert Master for the evening.  Jack was a major supporter of the Lone Tree Symphony, and to this day can be seen in the audience at our concerts.

The LTSO is eternally grateful for the City of Lone Tree and the Lone Tree Arts Commission for their generous support.  Jacinda and her husband, Art Bouton, were invaluable with their hard work, talent, vision, and guidance. There were also so many volunteers along the way that helped in establishing the LTSO.  And to our friends and family who attended our very first concerts, we would not be where we are today without their support over the years.

August 14, 2000 – First Press Release from Joan Nelson announcing the formation of a new Orchestra

September 8, 2000 – Organizational Meeting with 40+ attendees. First Board of Directors elected

September 21, 2000 – First rehearsal at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lone Tree

October 2000 – Funding received from the Lone Tree Arts Commission.  Additional funding received from numerous private and corporate donations, and sale of program ads

February 23, 2001 – Second LTSO concert held with 48 musicians.  The LTSO performed Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1 and the Haydn Symphony No. 14 in D Major “The London”

May 11, 2001 – Third LTSO concert held with 52 musicians.  Program highlights were Finlandia by Sibelius and The Cowboys Overture by John Williams.  Special guest artist for the evening was Art Bouton performing Michael Torke’s Concerto for Saxophone.