Welcoming line, including (left to right) HYO Musical Director Joseph Lee, HYO Board member Deborah Brown, Oscar Hereford who has helped with the Silver Tea for years, HSOG President Ivy Downs Albert, 2016 Silver Tea Chair Karen Higgins, and hostess Emily Reiney.
Each holiday season our homes fill with excitement, togetherness and tradition. This holiday season all of these elements came together once again for the 2016 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild Silver Tea. The Thursday, December 8 event was the 51st Anniversary of the Silver Tea which is a major fundraiser for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra. As always, the Silver Tea offered a magical and elegant afternoon. Guests enjoyed the ambience of a beautiful setting and the music of some of the area’s most talented young musicians.
The lovely home of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Reiney located at 604 Adams Street in Twickenham was the site of this year’s tea. The home was decorated throughout and provided each guest with a warm, festive, holiday atmosphere. The elegance of the home offered the perfect environment for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra to perform and friends to reconnect. Catering was provided by Sallie Ennis and Betty Lankford and the presentation of all the delectable treats was stylish and festive.
As guests arrived for the holiday event, Karen Higgins, 2016 Silver Tea Chairman, and her committee welcomed them to a very special afternoon of music, delicious tea foods, and warm hospitality. Young musicians from the Huntsville Youth Orchestra performed an array of music, and entertained guests as they mingled.
Members of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra Board, Deborah Brown and Jo Lee, as well as Guild President Ivy Albert and Hostess, Emily Reiney also welcomed guests as they arrived, Other members serving on the committee with Karen were Advisor, Karen Morris; Catering Liaison, Amelia Summerville; Cloak Room, Tara Brown; HYO Liaison, Ashley Walker; Invitations, Brenda Milberger and Stacey Gardner; Data Base, Joyce Griffin and Dana Town; Past President Punch Bowl, Debbie Overcash; Silver Bowl, Margaret Anne Crumlish; Volunteers/Hostesses, Lisa Cole and Jamie Saunders; Transportation/Security, Pennie Keene and Laura McFeely; Reservations, Nancy Richardson; Publicity, Sandy Knowling and Heather James. Also providing time and assistance were Mr. James Higgins, Mr. Pat Sanders, Mr. Mike Lapidius and Mr. David Phillips who kindly took time from their professional careers to greet guests and help them from their cars to the entrance.
Much to everyone’s joy, members of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra presented a mixture of popular holiday tunes and standard classical works. The afternoon performers were scheduled by HYO Executive Director, Deborah Brown and included; Caleb Doughty, Felicia Onawola, Geon Park, Constance Wang, Zachary Calinsky, Joshua Boyd, Jasmine McKenzie, Lydia Moore and Adam Moore, Gabriel Abrantes (violin), Jonathan Abrantes (violin), Caleb Abrantes (violin).
The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild is an organization whose primary purpose is to provide support for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. The organization is celebrating its 56th year of existence and looks forward to helping support the Orchestra and community. The Silver Tea is held annually as a benefit for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra. It has provided significant support for the young musicians throughout the years.
left to right: Ivy Downs Albert, HSOG President, Karen Higgins, 2016 Silver Tea Chair, Emily Reiney, hostess
