The Red Cedar Symphony was founded in the fall of 1983 to present symphonic music experiences to the Rice Lake community. In its first season, the orchestra presented two public concerts under the direction of Sister Shirley Wagner.

In 1984 the orchestra engaged the services of Warren Friesen as director and conductor. Under his direction, the orchestra grew numerically, artistically, and financially. During Friesen's tenure, the orchestra was incorporated as a non-profit organization.

During its first three years, the orchestra was graciously supported by the UW-Superior Chamber Orchestra, which helped the RCS "get on its feet" by joining it for dress rehearsals and concerts. After that, the orchestra has been able to recruit and retain local string musicians to fill sections. The orchestra roster currently includes twenty or more area string players. These, together with the wind, brass, and percussion players, make an impressive roster of about forty-five musicians.

RCS musicians come from all over the Northwestern Wisconsin area.

Bethany Lutheran Church hosts the orchestra for rehearsals and performance space.

The Red Cedar Chorus (formerly Community Choir) has joined with the orchestra for a combined program several times. The orchestra's concerts have included programs outside Rice Lake in Spooner, Cumberland, Chetek, Shell Lake, Siren, Ladysmith, Hayward, and Chippewa Falls.

The orchestra has twice featured Ronald McDonald at its children's concerts and was honored to be a part of the world premiere of One Nation, with Pipestone. This work for symphony orchestra, Native American Drum Group, and student string players was composed by Kevin McMullin.

Today, RCS performs six concerts each year, including fall and spring concerts, the annual Music in the Park concert, and the HomeGrown concert, which features chamber music from the area's finest classical musicians.

A concerto competition is held in January every other year, to promote talented local musicians and allow them to perform as soloists with the orchestra.