The Orchestra originated as a spontaneous product of a true community need when a group of local (mostly Evergreen and Mountain area residents) gathered Sunday afternoons in the Evergreen home of Wanda and Larry Beck. A local assistant conductor of the Evergreen Chorale, Sharon Baker, conducted these early rehearsals and some concerts at local churches under the name "Colorado Symphonia". After a couple years of getting together, several of the musicians decided to formally start the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra. Dr. William Morse who taught at Metro State College was enlisted as musical director and conductor of this new chamber orchestra, and ECO formal rehearsals and concert programming under Dr. Morse began in 1983. ECO has continued to thrive under his leadership.