The roots of the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and a community-wide love of music go back for many generations in Alexandria, to the Opera House (later the Paramount Theater) built on Third Street prior to World War I, and to the Community Concert Association which came into existence immediately following World War II. Over time, various individuals, such as Mr. R. C. (Fritz) Bauer, Dr. Harry Brian, Mrs. Anne Coughlin, Mrs. Florence Crowell, Dr. Tom Norman and Mr. Irving Ward-Steinman, to name only a few of many, have been responsible for sustaining and focusing this musical involvement, but it was not until 1967 that the community desire was formalized in the formation of the orchestra which exists today.