The Salina Symphony announced this past week that Dr. Ken Hakoda, a former Ellsworth High School music teacher, has stepped down after 15 years leading the orchestra as director and conductor.

During his tenure, the symphony doubled the number of performances and experienced substantial growth in ticket sales. Under Hakoda’s leadership, the Youth Education Program expanded from one orchestra into a comprehensive educational program involving more than 200 students. To honor his accomplishments, the Ken Hakoda Endowed Conductor Chair was established in May of 2014.

“Ken’s love of music was evident to anyone who watched him conduct,” said Gordon Gorton, Board President.“We are grateful for the 15 years of dedicated service Ken gave to the Symphony and to the Salina community.”

The symphony has named Dr. David Littrell as interim conductor for the 2019-20 season. Littrell retired in 2018 as a distinguished professor of music at Kansas State University, where he conducted the University Orchestra and taught cello and double bass.

“Dr. Littrell is highly regarded in the music community across the state, and I am confident he will be an excellent leader for the Symphony during this time of transition,” said Adrienne Allen, executive director.

Hakoda has said he plans to return to Japan to be closer to his parents.