The Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra comprises the finest musicians in northwest Iowa and southeast South Dakota. The orchestra’s membership includes adults of all ages as well as gifted music students from middle school through college. Seven of these students are recipients of scholarships from the Friends of the Symphony for the purpose of continuing their private music instruction.

Over 25 students from Dordt College Music Department are members of the orchestra and several members of the Dordt College music faculty perform as teaching principals in the orchestra. NISO presents three concerts per season in addition to the annual Concert for Children which is given each November for over 800 area 5th and 6th grade students.