Left to Right:
Dr. John Cox, Byrd Latham, Randy Roper, Linda Akenhead, Warne Heath, Michael Timberlake
Row 2: Left to right:
Jerry Nutt, Dan Halcomb, Dr. Doug Patz, John Switzer, Larry Thomas, Dr. Steven Smith

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild’s long-standing tradition continues in 2016, as Symphony Ball Chairwoman, Linda Akenhead, named her Ball advisors for the year and hosted them at an end-of-summer social.

A select group of the community’s distinguished men in positions of civic leadership are chosen annually to provide business and financial advice to the Ball Chair and support the event.

The Symphony Ball will be held Oct. 29 in the Von Braun Center North Hall. It will be the 53nd Ball held to benefit to our community by supporting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild established the Symphony Ball as a major fundraiser for the orchestra in 1964, and since the earliest balls, advisors have stepped up to the plate, figuratively and literally. To show appreciation for their service to the Guild, Linda and her Ball Committee hosted the men and their wives at an advisors’ cocktail party, at the home of Jean and Bill Salter.

Cocktail food, provided by Ina Rosa of Chef on Call, included an assortment of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and desserts, such as Jarlsberg and salami puffs, crab dip with fresh bread rounds, ginger chicken over rice, beef teres major on crostini, watermelon cubes sprinkled with feta and drizzled with reduced balsamic, mini cream horns, pecan squares, and fudge and key lime tarts.

The 2016 Symphony Ball advisors are as follows:

Dr. John Byron Cox is an ophthalmologist. His spouse is Anne Daniel Cox. His civic interests include Young Business Leaders; sponsored community, patriotic, and religious weekend activities; and church activities. His professional associations include Past President of Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology; Past Councilor to the American Academy Ophthalmology; and current Treasurer of Christian Ophthalmology Society. His hobbies include his grandchildren and pheasant hunting.

Daniel Glenn Halcomb is President and CEO, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. His civic interests include former Board Member of Arts Huntsville; former Board President of Therapy Partners; and Thrive Alabama (AIDS Action Coalition). His professional associations include Rotary and the League of American Orchestras. Dan’s hobby is travel.

Mr. Warne Stahler Heath is partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP. He is married to Mary Ena Johnson Heath. His civic interests and activities include past President of Rotary; Huntsville Botanical Garden Board of Directors; HudsonAlpha Ambassador, and First United Methodist Church. His hobbies include golf, reading and aviation.

Mr. Byrd Roy Latham is an attorney at Latham Moffatt, P.C. He is married to Rosemary Betts Latham. His civic interests and activities include the Huntsville Museum of Art Foundation and former President; Huntsville Symphony Orchestra; University of Alabama National Alumni Association and Past National President. His professional association includes the Alabama and American Bar Associations. He has received a variety of awards including the Sam W. Pipes Distinguished Alumni Award U of A School of Law in 2010 and the University of Alabama National Alumni Association-Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2011. His hobbies include photography and writing essays.

Dr. Douglas Leonard Patz is a retired Physicist with Computer Sciences Corporation. He is married to Martha Mettler Patz. His civic interests and activities include the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees-Emeritus; Grace Lutheran Church Board; Huntsville Museum of Art; Huntsville Chamber Music; and the Botanical Gardens. His hobbies include tennis and church choir.

John Randolph Roper is the owner of Randy Roper Interiors. He is president of the Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association, past member of the Board of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, past member of the Foundation Board of the Huntsville Museum of Art, and a member of Downtown Huntsville, Inc. His honors include Senior Center Path of Honor, Honoree 1st American Diabetes Association Roast; and the Nell Oliver Award, Huntsville Museum of Art.

Dr. Steven Patrick Decland Smith is a retired Physicist for US Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center. His wife is Lana Bradley Smith. His civic interests and activities include Trustee, Elder, Deacon and Sunday school teacher at Faith Presbyterian Church; Rotary; and YMCA. Dr. Smith’s profession associations include the Association of the US Army (AUSA) National Defense Industrial Association; the American Physical Society, and the American Nuclear Society. His many honors include the Department of the Army Exceptional Civilian Service Award; Global War on Terror Award from Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Department of Defense; and Department of the Army Research and Development Achievement Award. His hobbies include reading, swimming, travel, coaching girls’ soccer, basketball and softball.

John Bowman Switzer is a consulting engineer to Missile Defense Agency. He is married to Wenona Jones Switzer. His civic interests and activities include the Evening Optimist Club; the Historic Huntsville Foundation; Huntsville Auburn Club; Friends of the Library; and the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. His honors include having served as liaison with Russia on Missile-Ban Treaty; received commendation medal from Germany for Missile Assistance and the Robert E. Lee (Montgomery) Hall of Fame. His hobbies include traveling, watching Auburn Sports, and playing with grandchildren.

Michael Kenan Timberlake is an attorney with Siniard Timberlake and League, P.C. He is married to Melissa Ledlow Timberlake. His professional associations include Alabama State Bar, the Huntsville Bar Association, the Alabama Association for Justice and the America Association for Justice. Mr. Timberlake is a graduate of the American Trial Lawyers Association Trial College and has frequently served as a speaker for continuing legal education seminars in Alabama.

Larry Allen Thomas is a realtor with Legend Realty. He is married to Linda Brooks Thomas. His professional associations include Huntsville Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. His hobbies include classic cars, outdoor activities, skiing, hiking, and cycling.

Jerry Wayne Nutt is announcer and master of ceremonies for the 2016 Symphony Ball. He is the Director of Development for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. His wife is Dorrie Adams Nutt. He is past chairman of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board; Huntsville Community Chorus Board; is Chair for the Greater Huntsville Humane Society; and Ars Nova School of Arts. His professional associations included Association of Fundraising Professionals. His hobbies include music and woodworking.

For more information: Sharon Gartrell, 256-509-4405 or Jennifer Lapidus, 256-520-6175

Dr. Douglas Patz and Martha Patz, Lana and Steve Smith

Byrd and Rosemary Latham

Michael and Jennifer Lapidus; Dan Halcomb, President and CEO Huntsville Symphony Orchestra

John and Wenona Switzer

Ken Rivenbark and Randy Roper

Donna Rush; Anne Cox; Linda Akenhead, Chairman of the 2016 Symphony Ball; and Dr. John Cox

Ann and Rod Myers

Ashley and Cole Walker

Skipper and Nancy Colin

Steve and Patti Thornton

Larry and Linda Thomas

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Each year the Symphony Ball debutantes participate in a community service project as part of the beginning of the debutante season.  Proceeds from the Symphony Ball benefit the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.  To highlight music and community service, this year the event joined efforts with two local organizations for their service projects:  Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and Huntsville Hospital Foundation.  The Service Project, which was held Friday, the 20th of May, 2016, started with the debutantes gathering at the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra office.

Julie Noles, immediate-past Education Director of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra (HSO), led the debutantes in their first service project of the day, as they cleaned the violins for the Huntsville Symphony School’s third grade violin program.  Ms. Noles provided a history lesson to the group on the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony School and provided an impromptu violin lesson. While the debutantes were busy cleaning violins, they were entertained by the music of two young members of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra. Sharon Hicks, HSO Education Director coordinated the event for the Symphony Office.

The young ladies then boarded the 1920s vintage-inspired downtown Huntsville trolley for a ride to the campus of UAB Health Clinic.  They were first served lunch, catered by former debutante Lindsey Jennings, owner of Dallas Mill Deli.

The Debutantes then assembled packets for their “Coloring Book Project.”  The special coloring books depict exciting places from the City of Huntsville and highlight the orchestra and music.  The coloring books were illustrated by the late Bill May, father of former Debutante Hughston May.  Hughston updated the coloring book this year.  The books will be given to Huntsville Hospital patients visiting the Pediatric Emergency Room and those in both the Pediatric Unit and the Pediatric ICU.

Huntsville Hospital Foundation also prepared a Career Planning Workshop Seminar, where the young ladies learned about the many different career paths within the Hospital.  Speakers were young professionals from various departments including Business, Nursing, Radiology, and more.  Many of the speakers were former Debutantes.  Candy Burnett, President of Huntsville Hospital Foundation, kicked off the workshop with a career “baker’s dozen tips for success” presentation.  Dr Libby Shadinger participated in the roundtable discussion.

Huntsville Hospital Foundation employee Jordan McMullan, who coordinated the hospital visit, is also a former debutante.  Debutante Service Project coordinators from the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild were Lori Gregory, Bobsy Ingram, Elaine Pollard, and Joanna May.  The young ladies will formally be introduced to the community during the 53rd Symphony Ball on October 29.

The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

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An exciting season is underway for the Debutantes of 2016.

On Thursday evening, May 19^th at Huntsville Country Club, debutantes and their presenters attended a training seminar designed to enhance the beauty and pageantry of the formal presentation of the 2016 Symphony Ball, set for October 29, 2016.

Symphony Ball Chairman, Linda Akenhead, welcomed the debs and presenters.  Announcement photographs of the debutantes were taken by Ball photographer, Mark Jaeger.

Debutante/Presenter Event Chairmen Pam Gann and Josie Craig organized the evening’s events.

Long-time advisor to the Symphony Ball, Randy Roper, and Debutante Liaison, Sarah Gessler, provided instruction to the debutantes and their presenters on formal presentation and the curtsy.

 Dance instruction was provided to the debs and presenters for a choreographed waltz to be performed the night of the Symphony Ball.  They will dance to the Tales from the Vienna Woods, by Johann Strauss II.

On the evening of the Ball, October 29, immediately after the presentation of the debutantes and waltz with their presenters, former debutantes of the Huntsville Symphony Ball over the past fifty two years will be invited to join the 2016 debutantes in a special dance.

The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

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2016 Symphony Ball debutantes and their mothers enjoyed a lovely afternoon Tea, Wednesday, May 18th at the beautiful home of Guild member, Christine Wicks.  The previous year’s Ball Chairman hosts the annual event; and this year, Nancy Colin continued the tradition.  The Debutante Tea marks the official start of the Debutante social season.

Attending the event were the 35 young women who will make their debut at the 53rd Symphony Ball, October 29, together with their mothers, and members of the 2016 Ball Committee, past Guild Presidents, past Ball Chairmen, and the wives of the Ball advisors.

Guests were greeted by Christine and Nancy, along with 2016 Ball Chairman, Linda Akenhead, and Symphony Guild President, Ivy Downs Albert.  A silver wine cooler filled with beautiful spring flowers graced the entryway as guests arrived.  The silver container was given in 1993 by past Ball Chairmen, in memory of Robin Lanier Stewart, 1988 Ball Chairman.  It has been used every year at the Debutante Tea since 1993.

The young women enjoyed catching up after their freshman year of college as they enjoyed the delicious tea menu selected by Nancy. The Tea was catered by Carlton’s Catering and included a variety of delicacies, including snow peas stuffed with Asian chicken salad; bruschetta topped with whipped herbed ricotta, slice of pear, toasted walnut and a drizzle of local honey; baked Brie with fresh fruit; iced lemon shortbread cookies, and other sweets.  The centerpiece, as well as the flowers in the foyer, were towering arrangements by In Bloom, with beautiful spring flowers of white, pink and red roses; blue hydrangeas; pink peonies; snapdragons; and gerbera daisies, with lilies and orchids.   Punch and sparkling grape juice were served by past Ball Chairmen Pam Gann, Marie Newberry, Amelia Summerville, Sheryl Livingston, Suzanne O’Connor, Carol Booher, and Carole Jones.

The young ladies shared plans for the summer season parties and looked forward to the community service projects and their own celebrations.

The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

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Seated L to R Maria Caprio, Millie Steed, Olivia Costanza, Elise Greco, Ann Christian Brown
Standing L to R Patton Park, Elizabeth Jones, Peyton Mickle, Caroline Curran, Bailey Gardner, Kate Griffin

Seated L to R Tindall Morring, Emily Evans, Megan Smith, Julianna Kendall, Abby Knowling
Standing L to R Lauren Neighbors, Hattie Crosby, Maddie Kofskey, Hannah Martz, Kate Noble Hall, Caroline Wilson

Seated L to R Susanne McCrary, Bailey Bentley, Mandy Kate Malone, Mary Mac Hardin
Standing L to R
Hannah Splawn, Mary Charles Stewart, Michelle Caudle, Lily Hendrix, Katy Shoemake, Sarah Abbott Martinson

Huntsville Country Club provided a scenic setting for photographs of the 35 young women who will make their debut at the 2016 Symphony Ball on October 29^th.  The young women enjoyed their first week of the season with three activities: the Debutante Tea at the home of Mrs. Michael William Wicks, a special Debutantes and Presenters event at Huntsville Country Club, and two service projects: one for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and the other for Huntsville Hospital.  They continue the time-honored Huntsville tradition, which begins anew this summer.

The Symphony Ball, held since 1964, is an annual major fundraising event for Huntsville’s own professional Symphony Orchestra.  It entails many hours of work by the event sponsor, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild.  Linda Casselman Akenhead is chairwoman of the 2016 Ball, and this year will be the 53^rd Ball.

The 2016 debutantes, having completed their freshman year at college, look forward to an exciting season of social activities with their families and friends.  The Symphony Ball season will culminate with their debuts at a gala event on October 29^th in the Von Braun Center North Hall.

Following is a list of the 2016 debutantes, their parents, their high schools, and colleges:

Sarah Margaret Averbuch, 19, daughter of  Mr. and Mrs. Scott Owen Averbuch, Randolph School, Wake Forest University;

Bailey Alexandra Bentley, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Thomson Bentley, Huntsville High School, Auburn University;

Ann Christian Brown 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Damian Brown, Randolph School, Auburn University;

Maria Catherine Caprio, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mark Caprio, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama;

Susan Michelle Caudle, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Dale Caudle, junior, Randolph School, Auburn University;

Olivia Brenda Costanza, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Russell Costanza, Huntsville High School, Auburn University;

Harriet Rhett Crosby, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Edward Crosby, Randolph School, Birmingham Southern College;

Caroline Pollard Curran, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Francis Curran, Randolph School, Southern Methodist University;

Emily Adair Evans, 19, daughter of Mrs. Robert Hess Campbell, junior, and Mr. John Sadler Evans, Randolph School, University of Alabama;

Bailey Elizabeth Gardner, 19, daughter of The Doctors Stacey Strickland and James Steven Gardner, Randolph School, Harding University;

Elise Marie Greco, 18, daughter of The Doctors Cara Grady and John Joseph Greco, Randolph School, Auburn University;

Kathryn Diane Griffin, 18, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. William Joseph Griffin, junior, Randolph School, Auburn University;

Kate Noble Wheeler Hall, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Darius Hall, Randolph School, University of Alabama;

Mary McClure Hardin, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Gray Hardin, Huntsville High School, University of Mississippi;

Lily Madeleine Hendrix, 19, daughter Ms. Ashley Reese Wells and Mr. Jerry Alan Hendrix, Excalibur Christian School, University of Montevallo;

Elizabeth Anne Jones, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Jefferson Jones, Huntsville High School, Auburn University;

Julianna Ellen Kendall, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Kendall, Westminster Christian Academy, Samford University;

Abby Elaine Knowling, 19, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert John Knowling,  Randolph School, Auburn University;

Madeline Beatty Kofskey, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Kofskey, Randolph School, Southern Methodist University;

Amanda Katherine Malone, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Malone III, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama;

Sarah Abbott Martinson, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abbott McWhorter Martinson, Randolph School, Mississippi State University;

Hannah Caroline Martz, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Garrett Martz, Grissom High School, Auburn University;

Susanne Hames McCrary, 19, daughter of Ms. Myra Ponder McCrary and Mr. Roy Thorson McCrary, junior, Randolph School, Samford University;

Peyton Ann Mickle, 19, daughter of Ms. Kayla Bradford Mickle and Mr. Patrick Dodd Mickle, Huntsville High School, Auburn University;

Karen Tindall Morring, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymon Huston Morring, junior, Randolph School, Auburn University;

Sarah Elizabeth Moshier, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Warren Moshier, Randolph School, University of Alabama;

Lauren Alexandra Neighbors, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James William Neighbors, Huntsville High School, Auburn University;

Patton Lee Park, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce McEachin Park, Randolph School, Samford University;

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Shoemake, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kyle Shoemake, Randolph School, Auburn University;

Megan Ann Smith, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bart Karter Smith, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama;

Carolanne Sterling Spearman, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bryson Spearman, Huntsville High School, Auburn University;

Hannah Leigh Splawn, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Helton Splawn, Grissom High School, University of Alabama;

Millicent Leigh Steed, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Chad Steed, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama;

Mary Charles Stewart, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Palmer Stewart, Randolph School, Auburn University;

Caroline Emily Wilson, 19, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Strautins Wilson, Randolph School, Vanderbilt University.

Symphony Ball debutantes and cousins, Hughston Elizabeth May and Catherine Joseph Rasco, were honored by their grandmother, Joan Dowdle, with a festive party on October 23rd, the night before they were presented at the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild’s 52^nd  Debutante Ball.  Hughston is the daughter of Joanna and the late Bill May, and Cate is the daughter of Mark and Jeanne Rasco.  Helping with the event was Hughston and Cate’s aunt, Jan Thornton of Auburn, Alabama.  The Huntsville Symphony Guild Ball was a family affair this year for Joan.  In addition to two debutante granddaughters, Joan’s eldest grandson, John served as a Marshal.  John is the son of Jan and Mark Thornton.

While celebrating at the beautiful and historic Cedarhurst mansion, guests were treated to delicious food provided by Huntsville’s latest culinary sensation, Chef Brandon Crosby of Chuppertime Catering.  Brandon and his wife, Casey, prepared a wonderful assortment of food including pork sliders, Pepito Cheese Cornbread Bites, Mafia Meatballs, Bacon-wrapped Dates and Elvis Bread Pudding Bites –  a delicious blend of banana, honey and peanut butter.  While visiting with family and longtime friends, the debs and their escorts, Jorge Clements and Kurt Delay enjoyed listening to music provided by Huntsville’s Looking Back Band which featured musicians, Scott Ratliff and Tim Good.  Among Cate’s special guests was her escort’s family including Kurt’s mother, Shelley Delay, and his grandparents, Woody and Mackie Bethay.  Hughston’s special guests included her aunt, Terry Canterbury of Tuscaloosa, and longtime friends, Celia Gannaway and Taylor Brownfield.

Cate Rasco, Joan Dowdle, Hughston May

Front row (left to right): Patrick Robbins, Ed Rush, Nancy Colin (2015 Ball Chair), George Smith, Steve Thornton
Back row (left to right): John Johnson, Richard Van Valkenburgh, Ronald Reed, Skipper Colin
Not pictured: Randy Roper, Andrew Jeffrey Albert

A long-standing tradition of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild continues in 2015 as Symphony Ball Chairwoman, Nancy Colin, named her Ball advisors for the year and hosted them at an end of summer social.

A select group of the community’s distinguished men in positions of civic leadership are chosen annually to provide business and financial advice to the Ball Chair and support the event.

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild established the Symphony Ball as a major fundraiser for the orchestra in 1964, and since the earliest balls, advisors have stepped up to the plate, figuratively and literally.  To show appreciation for their service to the Guild, Nancy and her Ball Committee hosted the men and their wives at an Advisors’ Cocktail Party, held at the home of Jay and Dana Town.

A large silver stand filled with whole fresh fruits, including pineapple; watermelon; and grapes, decorated the center of the dining room table.  Cocktail food, provided by Ina Rosa of Chef on Call, included an assortment of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and desserts, such as southwestern dip in mini tortilla cups, Cajun shrimp on skewers, beef teres major on crostini, chicken wrapped in bacon with apricot sauce, Caesar salad en croustade, pecan squares, lemon and key lime tarts, and chocolate ganache cakes.

The 2015 Symphony Ball advisors are as follows:

Andrew Jeffrey Albert is President and CEO of AJA, Inc.  His spouse is Ivy Downs Albert.  His civic interests include the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra; the Huntsville Museum of Art; Boy Scouts of America, past Board of Directors (Alabama); veteran’s organizations; and animal welfare charities.  His professional associations include Association of the U.S. Army, National Defense Industrial Association, and Project Management Institute.  He has earned numerous military honors.  His hobbies include golf, computing technologies, and cars.

Ernest Wellwood Colin, Jr. is retired after 32 years with Teledyne Brown Engineering in a variety of engineering disciplines and management positions.  He completed his career serving with the United Nations as Chief Weapons Inspector in Iraq.  His spouse is Nancy George Colin.  His past civic interests include volunteering with Meals on Wheels, United Way of Madison County, Honduras medical missions, and Church of the Nativity and the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama.  He has served as the Restoration Project Manager at Church of the Nativity (National Historic Landmark), where the project received 2 international awards and a local historic award.  He has also received a variety of other awards during his career. His hobbies include genealogy, travel, gardening, reading, music, sports fan, collecting art, and showing his classic automobile.

Dr. John Dee Johnson, Jr. is a neurosurgeon with Sports Med.  His spouse is Kim Floyd Johnson.  Their children are Emory Brennis Johnson, Elizabeth Marie Johnson, and John Dee Johnson, III.  His civic interests include Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees, 2005-2015; Auburn University College of Science and Mathematics Advisory Board, 2005-Present; Leadership Huntsville/Madison Class 15; and Huntsville Committee of 100, 2004-2010.  His professional associations include Huntsville Hospital Chairman of Surgery, 2012-2014; American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 1998-Present; Southern Neurosurgical Society; and Medical Association of the State of Alabama.  His hobbies include travel and photography.

Ronald Elwyn Reed is a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual.  His spouse is Daphne Thompson Reed.  Their children are Ronald Douglas Reed, David Elwyn Reed and Sarah Catherine Reed.  His civic interests include past board member of Von Braun Center Board of Control, past president of Huntsville Council of PTAs, past trustee of Blue Ridge School for Boys in Charlottesville, Virginia.  His professional associations include the Million Dollar Roundtable, Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, and Huntsville Rotary Club.  Hobbies include family, golf, and working in the yard.

Patrick Adair Robbins is the Director of Professional Services Revenue Cycle Management at Huntsville Hospital.  His spouse is John Christopher Wesley.  His civic interests include Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees, Church of the Nativity, and Thrive Alabama (AIDS Action Coalition).  His honors include Chairman of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees.  His hobbies include singing, pottery, reading and current events.

John Randolph Roper is the owner of Randy Roper Interiors.  He is president of Twickenham Historic District Association, member of the Weeden House Committee, past member of the Foundation Board of Huntsville Museum of Art, past member of Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees, and past member of the Board of School of Interior Design at Auburn University.  Honors include Senior Center Path of Honor and Honoree for the first American Diabetes Association Roast.

Dr. John Edwin Rush is a retired physicist.   His spouse is Donna Lee Rush.  Their children are Michael Edwin Rush, John Robert Rush, and Victoria Lee Shirey Rush Hinton.  His civic interests include Friends of the Library, supporter of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, and supporter to local brass bands.  Honors include Alumnus of the Year, Snead Junior College, 1972; Outstanding Young Men of America, 1972; NASA Summer Faculty Fellow, 1978, 1979, 1981.  His hobbies include music and reading.

George Autry Smith, II is a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP.  His spouse is Lee Anne Parker Smith.  Their children are Julia Bickley Johnson and Morris Malone Johnson, III.  His civic activities include member of Huntsville Rotary Club (Board of Directors 2013-present), member and Board of Directors of The Arc of Madison County, and member and Board of Directors of First Commercial Bank of Huntsville.  Professional Associations include member of the Huntsville/Madison County Bar Association and member of the Alabama Law Institute.  His hobbies are reading, running, and CrossFit training.

Steven Curtis Thornton is a founding partner of Smith Thornton Advisors, LLC.  His spouse is Patricia Bragg Thornton.  Their child is Abigail Claire Thornton.  His civic activities include current Commissioner of Huntsville Sports Commission; and Secretary, Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity of Madison County. Past activities include 2000 graduate of Leadership Huntsville/Madison County; Board of Directors, United Way of Madison County; President, Huntsville High School Soccer Boosters Club; and Board of Directors, Mayfair Park.  His professional associations include Investment Management Consultants Association and National Association of Plan Advisors.  His hobbies include golf, reading, water, and snow sports.

Richard Powell Van Valkenburgh, Jr. is President of Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties, Inc.  His wife is Nancy Wilkinson Van Valkenburgh.  Their children are Victoria Van Valkenburgh Norris, Julie Van Valkenburgh Lockwood (Mrs. Robert Carter Lockwood), and Sarah Lauren Van Valkenburgh Kattos (Mrs. Andrew Nicholas Kattos), each a Symphony Ball Debutante.  His civic interests include longtime member and past president (3^rd generation) of Huntsville Kiwanis Club; member and past chairman of Historic Huntsville Foundation (HHF); past Chairman of HHF’s Harrison Brothers’ Management Committee; lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, member of Sanctuary Choir, and Trustee; member of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce CEO groups; and 2015 Huntsville-Madison County Masters’ Leadership Class.  His professional associations include holding all officer positions of the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS (HAAR), including President in 2004; served as State Director and in all executive officer positions of the Alabama Association of REALTORS, serving as President in 2013; served as Director of the National Association of REALTORS and on the NAR Communications Committee; member of the Council of Residential Brokerage Managers (CRB), including President of the Alabama Chapter.  Honors he has received include 2005 REALTOR of the Year for the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS and the Alabama Association of REALTORS, and 2010 recipient of the Robert Jemison Award for distinguished service to the Alabama Association of REALTORS.  In joint resolutions, the Alabama legislature commended Richard for his service to the Alabama Association of REALTORS, to his community, and to both he and Nancy on their golden wedding anniversary.  His hobbies include music (an accomplished guitarist), singing, and spending time with his 6 grandchildren.

   Jerry W. Nutt is the announcer and master of ceremonies for the 2015 Symphony Ball.  He is the Director of Development for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.  His wife is Dorrie Adams Nutt. Their children are Michael Scott Nutt and David Alon Nutt.  He is a past chairman of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board, Huntsville Community Chorus Board, and is Vice Chairman of the Board of the Greater Huntsville Humane Society.  His hobbies include singing with Ars Nova Opera, Huntsville Community Chorus, and the Nativity choir.

The Symphony Ball will be held October 24  in the Von Braun Center North Hall.  It will be the 52^nd  Ball held to benefit to our community by supporting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

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Each year the Symphony Ball debutantes participate in a community service project as part of the beginning of the debutante season.  Proceeds from the Symphony Ball benefit the Symphony Orchestra.  To highlight music and community service, this year the event joined efforts with two local organizations for their service projects:  Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and Huntsville Hospital Foundation.  The Service Project, which was held Friday,  the 22^nd of May,  2015, started with the debutantes gathering at the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra office wearing coordinating T-shirts.

Julie Noles, immediate-past Education Director of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, led the debutantes in their first service project of the day, as they cleaned the violins for the Huntsville Symphony School’s third grade violin program.  Ms. Noles provided a history lesson to the group on the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony School and provided an impromptu violin lesson. While the debutantes were busy cleaning violins, they were entertained by the music of five young members of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra.

The young ladies then boarded the 1920’s vintage-inspired downtown Huntsville trolley for a ride to the campus of Huntsville Hospital.  They were first served lunch, catered by former debutante LeeLee Wiginton from Lyn’s Gracious Goodness, at the Huntsville Hospital Plaza Resource Center.  Candy Burnett, President of Huntsville Hospital Foundation, shared “tips for success,” concerning resumes, interviews, first impressions, integrity, etc.  They then walked across the street to the Hospital, where they divided into two groups.  One group served refreshments to families in the Surgery Waiting Room and in the ICU Waiting Area.  Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s harpist, Katherine Newman, serenaded everyone in the ICU Waiting Area.  The second group put together packages containing crayons and coloring books that were illustrated by the late Bill May, father of Debutante Hughston May.  The two groups then switched projects, and each group performed the other task. The coloring books will be given to Huntsville Hospital patients visiting the Pediatric Emergency Room and those in both the Pediatric Unit and the Pediatric ICU.

Huntsville Hospital Foundation employee Jordan McMullan, who coordinated the hospital visit, is also a former debutante.  Debutante Service Project coordinators from the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild were Lori Gregory, Bobsy Ingram, Elaine Pollard, and Karen Kimbrough.  The young ladies will formally be introduced to the community during the 52^nd Symphony Ball on October 24.

The debutantes thoroughly enjoyed their busy day.  The Billy Joel quote on the T-shirt summoned up the event:  “I think music in itself is healing…it’s something we are all touched by.  No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”

Julie Noles

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Randy Roper, Phillip and Katie Vest, Mike and Sarah Reagan Tepool

An exciting season is underway for the Debutantes of 2015.

On Thursday evening, May 21st at Valley Hill Country Club, debutantes and their presenters attended a training seminar designed to enhance the beauty and pageantry of the formal presentation of the 2015 Symphony Ball, set for October 24, 2015.

Symphony Ball Chairman, Nancy Colin, welcomed the debs and presenters.  Announcement photographs of the debutantes were taken by Ball photographer, Mark Jaeger.

The evening’s events were organized by Debutante/Presenter Event Chairman Josie Craig.

Long-time advisor to the Symphony Ball, Randy Roper, provided instruction to the debutantes and their presenters on formal presentation and the curtsy.

Dance instruction was provided to the debs and presenters for a choreographed waltz to be performed the night of the Symphony Ball.  They will dance to the Artist’s Life Waltz, by Johann Strauss II.  The dance was choreographed by Keren Gibb of Alabama Youth Ballet.

On the evening of the Ball, October 24, immediately after the presentation of the debutantes and waltz with their presenters, former debutantes of the Huntsville Symphony Ball over the past fifty years will be invited to join the 2015 debutantes in a special dance.

The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

Dale and Sarah Gwin Moore

Stephanie and Scott Gilbert

Anna Catherine and Greg Brooks

Hughston May, Mark Thornton

Joie and Ray Tucker

Ben and Lauren Stevens

Dr. David Lee, Jordan Lee

Allyson Nuwayhid, Dr. Ramsay Nuwayhid

Bill and Mary Gray Lindstrom

Dr. Troy Layton, Lauren Layton