The orchestra was organized as "The Colby Community Orchestra" in 1979 by Bill Beck, a retired school music director. The name was changed to "The Pride of the Prairie Orchestra" in 1998 after a contest. It was and is composed of volunteer musicians, ranging from school age to retired individuals. Musicians travel to Colby from a wide geographical area representing communities in northwest Kansas and northeast Colorado. Every Monday evening, 25-30 musicians gather to rehearse. At least three concerts, sometimes four, are performed each year. Since area schools do not offer an orchestra program, this has met a need for students as well as adults who play a stringed instrument. It offers a cultural outlet for musicians as well as audiences in the area and adds an element of culture that is often lacking in small communities.