 This is disputed by others because of the organization's somewhat informal beginnings (the original charter states that the intent of the Pierian Sodality is to "perform music for the enjoyment of others as well as serenade young women in the square"), and at one point during its history, the Pierian Sodality was reduced to only one member, a flautist named Henry Gassett.As a result, some consider the New York Philharmonic to be the oldest American orchestra.The HRO assumed its current form as a modern symphony orchestra during the first half of the 20th century, and was, for a brief time, the nation's largest collegiate orchestra.