As the city of Round Rock has grown, so has the demand for organizations often found in larger cities. A prime example of the city's recent cultural development is the Round Rock Symphony, founded in 2008.

Now in its sixth season, the nonprofit organization employs 50 paid, professional musicians for various performances throughout the year.

"With our expanding demographic of the creative class and young professionals, we realized that our residents were having to leave our own community for arts and entertainment," said Kris Whitfield, Round Rock Symphony board member. "The Round Rock Symphony orchestra was formed ... to provide our own citizens the same professional quality music that they were having to drive for miles to hear."

This season the symphony plans to hold eight performances. Some of the shows will include collaborations with community organizations, including a holiday performance Dec. 20 with the Round Rock Community Choir and its children's chorus.

The symphony also promotes community outreach through the Aspire program, which teaches students at Berkman and Bluebonnet elementary schools in Round Rock ISD how to play string instruments. Members of RRISD's orchestra programs also play with Round Rock Symphony musicians during a special performance once per year.

"It is our goal to be more involved in the community through ... collaborating with community organizations," Music Director Stefan Sanders said.

Sanders is the symphony's second conductor and was hired to lead the organization in March. His educational background includes undergraduate studies on trombone at The Juilliard School in New York City and a doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin in musical arts.

Saunders first worked with the symphony as a guest conductor during his studies at UT. When the music director position came open for the organization, he said he was eager to apply.

"I think the feeling was mutual that [the symphony and I] got the best out of each other," he said.

2013–14 season upcoming performances

"Holiday Celebration"

Dec. 20 7–8:30 p.m.

Round Rock Performing Arts Center, 5800 McNeil Drive, AustinTickets: $25 (general admission), $10 (students)

Chamber Series II – Felix String Quartet

Jan. 25, 2014 7:30–10:30 p.m.

Round Rock Presbyterian Church, 4010 Sam Bass Road, Round RockTickets: $25 (general admission), $10 (students)

"Colores Espaoles"

Feb. 16, 2014 3–4:30 p.m.

Klett Center for the Performing Arts, 2211 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown Tickets: $25–30 (general admission), $5 (students)

Side-by-Side with RRISD

April 5, 2014 1–2 p.m.

Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E. Main St., Round RockTicket prices to be announced.

Chamber Series III

May 4, 2014 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St., GeorgetownTickets: $25 (general admission), $10 (students)

Fireworks! – The Georgetown Festival of the Arts

May 31, 2014 9–10:30 p.m.

San Gabriel Park, 1003 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown. Admission is free.

www.roundrocksymphony.org. Twitter: @RoundRockSymph