In the process of celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the Guild has raised in excess of $6 million and has volunteered more than 726,000 hours of service. Its services to the orchestra include:
Education and Outreach
- Prepare area fourth graders for the annual Young People's Concert
- Coordinate the Young Artists' Auditions
- Present the Panoply Musical Instruments Tent
- Support summer music camps through Ruth C. Weber Scholarships
- Assist HSO Staff
- Maintain computer data for fund-raisers
- Assist with membership campaign
- Provide refreshments to Orchestra members during rehearsals
Fund Raising Events
- Symphony Ball since 1964
- Silver Tea, benefiting the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, since 1966
- Crescen-Dough Auction since 1973
In the Press: Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild succeeds in a high-tech town
Painted Violin Unveiling Party
ServisFirst Bank hosted the Painted Violin Unveiling Party. The violin, created by native Huntsville artist now New Yorker, Patrick Culpepper, will be auctioned off at the Symphony Guild's 40th Annual Crescen-Dough Auction on April 5th. The Painted Violin Society, along with the generous support of Jerry Damson Automotive, are proud sponsors of the Free Family Concert Series. This year, the Free Family Concert will be held Saturday, March 2nd at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall. This concert will allow families from Huntsville and surrounding areas to hear our Symphony play beautiful music for all to enjoy.
From Left to Right: Ginney McDonald, PVS Chairman, Linda Akenhead, HSOG President, Frances Huffman, HSO Board Chairman, and Guild member Kay Eastin admire the Painted Violin by artist Patrick Culpepper at the Painted Violin Unveiling Party.
Young Artists Auditions
The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild was pleased to be a part of the 42 Annual Young Artists Auditions this weekend. The talent that was on display by our young musicians was incredible!! 16 young musicians performed for judges on Saturday. Six finalists were announced and they performed on Sunday. Two finalists were selected. We will post their pictures as soon as they become available. Thank you to the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, to Dr. Mia Irby who was a sponsor of the T-Shirts and a thank you to Twickenham Fest who sponsored the Winner's Recital.
Heather Lyons, Co-Chairman for Young Artists Auditions and Jeanmarie Chappell-YAA Advisor and Active Guild member Sandy Knowling prepare a reception for the Young Artists and their families.
Guild member Pennie Keene and YAA Chairman, Alison Junen, prepare trays for the Young Artists Reception.
Music Teacher and guild member, Frances Schwemmer, shows off a t-shirt that was given to each young artist participant.
The Annual Silver Tea was held in December at the Mooresville Home of Margaret Anne Crumlish. Over 460 people visited this home and all proceeds from this event will benefit the Huntsville Youth Orchestra.
Margaret-Anne Crumlish, Home Hostess; HSOG President, Linda Akenhead; HYO Manager, Deborah Brown, and HYO Conductor, Joseph Lee.
Ginney McDonald, HSOG Youth Orchestra Liaison; Silver Tea Chairman, Susan Todd and HSOG President, Linda Akenhead
Trevor Drive Tapas Party
Linda Akenhead, Julie Fowler, Marcie Wingo and Jeanne Brown
Silver Tea Addressing
Guild members stuffing ticket envelopes for Concert Membership.
Dian Derrick and Cindy Reaves
Sheryl Livingston, Dianne Reynolds and Becky Curtis
Julien McKinney Young and Dianne Reynolds
