In the mid-70’s, co-founder John Carter ran some notices in the local paper and attempted to recruit some musicians he knew, but in August 1976 his vision for a community orchestra was little more than an idea. Thankfully, a dozen or so musicians attended, and as they spread the word to others, Carter felt relieved to see there was enough interest to begin planning in earnest for a first performance. Nearly 50 years later, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra has grown into a fully-professional ensemble entertaining audiences from across central Indiana.