In 1925, Frank Noyes, violinist and music instructor at Hastings College, organized the Hastings Symphony Orchestra with 25 members. The first concert was presented on May 26, 1926 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hastings. Under Mr. Noyes' 11 years as director, the orchestra developed into a full symphonic ensemble with 75 members.

The Hastings Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest continuous orchestral groups in this country. In its second year, it was decided to charge 10 cents for admission to concerts and it became known as the Hastings "Dime" Symphony. This received much state and national publicity which included a picture and write-up in Life magazine in 1954. Later, the 10-cent admission was dropped and the concerts were free to the public. In 1986, a plan was introduced and implemented whereby a charge for season tickets and single admissions was made.