The Coeur d'Alene Symphony Orchestra has existed for 35 years, performing classical and popular music in the Coeur d'Alene area. But Kip Adams often meets folks who don't know that.

"I realize with a sense of dismay that some people still don't know we exist," says Kipling Adams, Coeur d'Alene Symphony Board Chairman.

Adams started as a volunteer, writing grants and helping to develop the orchestra's long-range plan. A few years ago, when the economy took a toll on donations and volunteer support, he moved into the role of chairman.

The orchestra is comprised of roughly 50 members who are "your friends and neighbors." The principals are paid a modest stipend; the rest are volunteers. They practice primarily on their own at home, holding formal rehearsals at Coeur d'Alene High School.

Most of the members have more than 20 years of experience. "We have 1,000 years of music in the orchestra," says Adams.

The season consists of five subscription concerts, a free "Labor Day in the Park" show, the Black and White Ball (featuring big band music), and the National Young Artist Competition each March.

On Nov. 2, they're offering "A Taste of Vienna," a musical soiree featuring 18th Century chamber music, dinner, and live and silent auctions. Proceeds will help ensure the financial health of the orchestra.

The Young Artist Competition is one of the highlights of the season. Each year, Demand invites students from high schools and colleges across the country to participate. Contestants submit a CD and pay an entrance fee; finalists are invited to Coeur d'Alene (at their own expense) to compete. Spokane's Whitworth University hosts the competition and a panel of judges selects the winners, who are invited to return to perform with the orchestra in March.

"The Young Artist Competition concert is one of our best shows, yet it tends to be the most poorly attended," says Adams. "The audience is always on their feet by the end of the performance. If you're not there, you're missing something special."

David Demand is the artistic director and conductor. The orchestra has improved, under his direction - he has a gift of selecting, with the player's committee, music that has a broad appeal. He is also the Director of Music at Saint George's School in Spokane.

After years of performing on the North Idaho College campus, the orchestra recently moved to the Salvation Army Kroc Center, and are thrilled with the new venue. "The staff at the Kroc Center has been amazing," says Adams. "The acoustics in the auditorium are incredible. There isn't a bad seat in the house."

Concerts are on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. (except the Christmas performances, which are on Wednesday and Friday).

As with many such organizations, funding ebbs and flows. They depend primarily on donations and attendance to meet costs. Ticket prices cover just 40 percent of their expenses.

Financial problems aren't unique to the Coeur d'Alene Symphony - orchestras across the country are struggling. "Performing arts are taking it on the chin," says Adams. "We're doing a lot with a modest budget."

The symphony operates with a multi-tasking skeleton staff: a part-time office manager, Jeanne Randolph, who also sells tickets, and a part-time orchestra manager, Sandy Daniel, who handles the music library and arrangements, and the sound system, and also performs.

Board members include Max Faller from Bank CDA, Pat Miller from Paine Hamblen and Jill Cathey, who is principal oboe and also handles public relations for the symphony. Merilee Updike and Martin MacAlpine round out the board, filling the treasurer and secretary roles, respectively.

The orchestra is always looking for volunteers. There are openings for board members, ushers and people to help with tasks such as sending out mailings. "We have a few hardcore volunteers, but we can always use more," says Adams. Volunteers are given free admission to the performances.

Adams hopes that more community members discover this hidden treasure and support the orchestra this season. When asked why he's involved with the symphony, he smiles.

"It's a labor of love."

For more information, call (208) 765-3833 or go to www.cdasymphony.com.