About PCS
History
The Panama City Symphony began in 1996 as the Orchestra of St. Andrew Bay, a small group of string players seeking opportunities to play and perform together. It was founded by Elaine Matson, Michael Reisman and Sandy Rosengren. Led by John Boozer, this ensemble soon grew into a complete orchestra, playing a wide variety of symphonic music and training talented musicians guided by experienced adults.
At the end of the 1999-2000 season, Dr. Boozer left for a position in North Carolina, and the baton passed to Rusty Garner of Gulf Coast Community College, Division of Visual and Performing Arts. During his tenure the orchestra formed a close cooperative relationship with the college and presented Bay County audiences a series of ambitious and entertaining programs. Mr. Garner retired at the end of the 2005-2006 season.
Following a 2006 name change to The Panama City POPS Orchestra, the Orchestra was fortunate to have the accomplished, creative and enthusiastic leadership of Eddie Rackley. Bringing a lifetime of musical education and experience to the podium, Eddie fostered unprecedented artistic growth, delivering the unique combination of classical works and popular arrangements that distinguishes The PCS today. He diligently advocated for promising young musicians, fostering a mentoring program with the adult orchestra and exposing young talent to the demands and rewards of rehearsing and performing in a professional environment. Maestro Rackley retired and relocated at the end of the 2015-2016 season.
The 2016-2017 season welcomed Dr. David Ott as Music Director and Conductor. A gifted lecturer at ease with educating the public about music, Dr. Ott has been credited with making symphonic music more accessible to audiences of all ages. During his tenure with the Orchestra he spearheaded the name change to The Panama City Symphony Orchestra prior to the 2020-2021 season, reflecting the realization that the Orchestra’s performance quality and professional stature were soaring, attracting stronger and more experienced musicians, and meriting a name to manifest its quality and increasingly far-ranging geographical draw.
Ott was also the creator and driving force behind three unique educational outreach programs: Moments with the Maestro, Music to My Ears and Symphony in the City. Other high notes during his tenure include delivering a complete season from a new venue following Hurricane Michael in 2018 and producing full seasons during the pandemic. Following six flourishing years at the PCS podium, he retired in June 2022. Sergey Bogza was the 5th music director and conductor from 2022 to 2026; he assisted in the organization’s growth and programming.
Looking Ahead
As we enter our next chapter, we are excited to welcome a new Music Director to lead our organization forward. Our focus is on long-term sustainability, anchored by plans to build an endowment fund that will secure our organization. We remain deeply committed to enhancing our music education programs, inspiring the young musicians who represent the future of our orchestra. Additionally, we aim to serve as an agent of change by helping secure a dedicated performing arts center for our community. By growing our patron base and expanding our reach, we look forward to bringing our music to even wider audiences.
