1970's
1970
First annual children's concerts presented

1973
Springfield Symphony sponsors first Young Artists' Competition
1976
Ensembles-In-Schools program introduced into the Springfield Public School system
1978
Charles Bontrager is hired as conductor to succeed Charles Hall; Bontrager becomes first full-time conductor of the orchestra; serves until 1993

1979
First Carols of Christmas concert performed under Bontrager's direction