May

Symphony Ball to present 42 debutantes

Forty-two young women will make their debut at the Huntsville Symphony
Orchestra Guild 54th Symphony Ball on October 28, 2017. The young women enjoyed their first week of the season with the Debutante Tea at the home of Mrs. Earnest Wayne Bonner, a “Debutantes and Presenters” event at the Huntsville Country Club, and two service projects. They continue the time-honored Huntsville tradition, which begins anew this summer.

Front (L to R):
Peyton Brown, Cacky Cape, Melissa Dillard, Sydney Cole, Sarah Grace
Copeland, Molly Kathryn Cornelius, Lily Grace Couvillon
Back (L to R):
Hayley Dent, Callie Campbell, Hannah Page Clayton, Victoria Fennell,
Polly Gartrell, Libby Gold, Carol Graffeo

Front (L to R):
Jordan Hanks, Mary Grace Hash, Windham Hunter, Alexa Janssen, Emory
Johnson, Macey Johnson, Caroline Jones
Back (L to R):
Megan Kesting, Bonnie Lioce, Anne Dillon Loflin, Jordan Loftin,
Claudia Lynn, Lillie Markwalter, Sarah Miner

Front (L to R):
Elle Noller, Lizzy Norris, Megan Pollard, Annie Reiney, Hannah
Schrimsher, Aly Sexton, RileyAnne Sharpe
Back (L to R):
Sally Frances Smith, Evie Sutton, Sally Swing, Allison Taylor,
Meredith Walker, Taylor Willis Not pictured: Emily Tucker

Feb

The 44th Crescen-Dough Auction is set for Friday, April 7, 2017!

Transport yourself to Paris of the 19th Century and experience “The Music of the Night”. This annual event is Huntsville’s Original and BEST Auction. Since its inception our guests have raised over $3.6 million dollars in support of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra!

Follow the Phantom to tables filled with: beautiful jewelry; fabulous trips; stunning art; gifts; and personal services. The Live Auction will be fast paced, entertaining and may even include a few surprises.

Remember that the IRS tax code allows that all items purchased over the Fair Market Value (FMV) can be deducted for the full amount above that value. So, buy the things that you love, support music in our community, and get a tax deduction. Everyone will go home feeling good!

Hoping to see you RAISE YOUR PADDLE in support of the HSO!

Dress is CASUAL. Theme music is provided by members of the HSO.

While you are “in Paris” have your photo made with the Phantom or Christine!

Auction Timeline

6:00 pm	Doors Open/ Silent Auction Begins
6:15 – 8:00 pm	Buffet Open
7:30 pm	Gift Certificates Close
7:45 pm	Silent Auction Items Close
7:55 pm	Blind Bid and Items of Note Close
8:05 pm	Live Auction Begins
9:00 pm	Cashiers Open

Visit the Crescen-Dough Auction website at crescendoughauction.org to purchase tickets!

Feb

2016 Huntsville Symphony Guild Silver Tea

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 56^th 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

Jan

Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild Wins Gold Book
Award of Excellence

Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild Wins Gold Book Award of Excellence
From the Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras for Outstanding Volunteer Project Arts and Academics Study Group

The Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras is pleased to announce that the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild has won an Award of Excellence in the annual Gold Book competition. Their project is titled Arts and Academics Study Group. The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild supports the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra (HSO). The award will be presented at the League’s National Conference in Detroit, MI from June 6-8, 2017.

The Arts and Academics Study Group is a collaboration among educators, Guild members, HSO staff, and The Schools Foundation to increase local attendance at the Young People’s Concerts (YPC). Developing this Study Group was suggested by our State School Board member Mary Scott Hunter, whom the Guild consulted about music education standards. Since 1968, the HSO with HSO Guild support has presented the free, annual YPC, yet educators had not previously been consulted. The three school districts within Madison County, Alabama, Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County, appointed fourth grade teachers, elementary music educators, and a principal to the Study Group. HSO’s Director of Education and Guild members, including the president, education chairman, YPC chairman, and previous chairmen met with the educators in a technologically rich conference provided by The Schools Foundation. Among Study Group recommendations is a post-concert survey designed and sent to all attending teachers. A rising ninth grade magnet student was recruited to produce the prezi used to present YPC to the three school boards prior to the concerts; she also produced the prezi showing survey results. The survey will be sent for two more years to establish three years of data as basis for further recommendations to increase the value of the YPC for area students.

The annual Gold Book competition recognizes outstanding projects created and implemented by volunteer associations of symphony orchestras throughout the United States and Canada. Projects are judged by the League’s Volunteer Council each fall. All of the submitted projects will be featured online at www.goldbookonline.org.

The League’s Volunteer Council is an organization of recognized community leaders throughout the United States and Canada who have demonstrated outstanding support for their symphony orchestras. The Council’s awards honor volunteers who, through their hard work and dedication, help to insure the success of their organizations.

League of American Orchestras

The League of American Orchestras leads, supports, and champions America’s orchestras and the vitality of the music they perform. Its diverse membership of more than 2,000 organizations and individuals across North America runs the gamut from world-renowned symphonies to community groups, from summer festivals to student and youth ensembles, from conservatories to libraries, from businesses serving orchestras to individuals who love symphonic music. The only national organization dedicated solely to the orchestral experience, the League is a nexus of knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership advancement. Its conferences and events, award-winning Symphony magazine, website, and other publications inform people around the world about orchestral activity and developments. Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1962, the League links a national network of thousands of instrumentalists, conductors, managers and administrators, board members, volunteers, and business partners. Visit americanorchestras.org.

Thanks to Guild member Jamie Saunders for sending and receiving the Survey Monkey evaluation survey!

For more information, contact:
Susan Anderson
256-5332935
chamaskas@comcast.net

Click on the “start prezi” arrows in the center of the images to begin each prezi. Then use the arrows at the bottom of each image to navigate through the presentations.

Arts and Academics Study Group Presentation

Arts and Academics 2016 YPC Survey Results Presentation

Jan

Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild presents check to Huntsville Symphony Orchestra

At the January 13 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild meeting, the Guild presented a check to the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra (HSO) in the amount of $278,925 for funds raised from the 2015 Symphony Ball and the 2016 Crescen-Dough Auction. (left to right) Ivy Downs Albert, 2016-2017 Guild President; Dan Halcomb, HSO President and CEO; Clare Grisham, Chair 2016 Crescen-Dough Auction; Nancy Colin, Chair 2015 Symphony Ball and current Chairman of the HSO Board of Trustees; and Debbie Washburn, 2015-2016 Guild President. (Not pictured is Crescen-Dough Auction Co-chair Valerie Brown.)

Nov

2016 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild 53rd Debutante Ball

Front Row: (left to right) Bailey Elizabeth Gardner, Carolanne Sterling Spearman, Julianna Ellen Kendall, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Shoemake, Abby Elaine Knowling, Caroline Emily Wilson | Second Row: (left to right) Sarah Margaret Averbuch, Millicent Leigh Steed, Olivia Brenda Costanza, Maria Catherine Caprio, Sarah Abbott Martinson, Caroline Pollard Curran, Madeline Beatty Kofskey | Third Row: (left to right) Mary McClure Hardin, Megan Ann Smith, Elizabeth Anne Jones, Mary Charles Stewart

Front Row: (left to right) Ann Christian Brown, Sarah Elizabeth Moshier, Elise Marie Greco, Susan Michelle Caudle, Bailey Alexandra Bentley, Emily Adair Evans | Second Row: (left to right) Kathryn Diane Griffin, Susanne Hames McCrary, Kate Noble Wheeler Hall, Karen Tindall Morring, Lauren Alexandra Neighbors, Amanda Katherine Malone, Hannah Caroline Martz | Third Row: (left to right) Patton Lee Park, Harriet Rhett Crosby, Lily Madeleine Hendrix, Peyton Ann Mickle, Hannah Leigh Splawn

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild had the honor of presenting 35 young women on Saturday, October 29, in the Von Braun Center North Hall at the 53rd Symphony Ball. Over 920 patrons, guests, friends and family attended the formal presentation and enjoyed “An Evening to Remember.” This year’s Ball was chaired by Linda Akenhead.

The Von Braun Center North Hall was transformed into a colorful vision of shades of lavenders, purples, and greens. Guests entered the North Hall through curtains of white with purple fabric accents. Two Greek urns flanked the entrance into the North Hall, and they were filled with large trees and hanging luminaries. Silver roses surrounded the base of each tree.

Inside the North Hall, the walls were draped with white curtains with panels of slate accents. Tables were covered with both tablecloths of lavender with white lattice and eggplant. The containers on each table were either a silver love cup or crystal compote bowl. Beautiful arrangements of pink lilies, purple stock, eggplant calla lilies, hydrangeas, and roses of Ocean Song Lavender, Nautical Lavender, Moody Blues and Cool Water Purple filled each container.

A canopy surrounded with aubergine velvet framed the stage. Soft sheer curtains hung from the canopy. Two large Grecian urns flanked the stage and were filled with large trees from which pink orchids hung from the branches. The room was awash with a blush glow of light. As they were presented, Debutantes carried bouquets of the debutante rose, Queen of the Night. Floral designer was Carl Casiday of Lola’s, Sheffield Alabama.

An invocation was delivered by Richard Van Valkenburgh, Jr.; and Jerry Nutt, Emeritus Member of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Association Board of Trustees and current Director of Development for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, served as Announcer for the Ball. The Symphony Orchestra strings and trumpets provided the perfect music during the cocktail hour, followed by the debutante presentation and a waltz with the debutantes and their fathers. The Craig Duncan Orchestra from Nashville never sounded better as everyone danced the night away.

Guests enjoyed a formal dinner of sliced pear salad with mixed greens, fig balsamic marinated grilled peaches, feta cheese, and fig dressing; chili rubbed filet of beef served with Chimichurri; chicken breast stuffed with asparagus, roasted red pepper, Gouda with Béchamel Sauce; Dauphinoise potatoes; roasted zucchini; yellow squash; broccoli; and red velvet cheesecake.

Following are the 2016 Symphony Ball Debutantes, their parents, presenters and escorts:

Sarah Margaret Averbuch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Owen Averbuch, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Michael James Holmes.

Bailey Alexandra Bentley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Thomson Bentley, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Steven Ross Owens.

Ann Christian Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Damian Brown, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Duane Scot Augustson II.

Maria Catherine Caprio, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mark Caprio, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Joshua Michael Crumbley.

Susan Michelle Caudle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Dale Caudle, junior, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Griffin Patterson Peek.

Olivia Brenda Costanza, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Russell Costanza, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Andrew Thompson Dendy.

Harriet Rhett Crosby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Edward Crosby, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Fisher Vance Lucas.

Caroline Pollard Curran, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Francis Curran, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Andrew Reames Sullivan.

Emily Adair Evans, daughter of Mrs. Robert Hess Campbell, junior, and Mr. John Sadler Evans, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Hall Blake Bryant IV.

Bailey Elizabeth Gardner, daughter of The Doctors Gardner, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Andrew Seth Ferrara.

Elise Marie Greco, daughter of The Doctors Greco, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. William Webster Brown.

Kathryn Diane Griffin, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. William Joseph Griffin, junior, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. James Lucian Batson IV.

Kate Noble Wheeler Hall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Darius Hall, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Grant Bernard Ginsburg.

Mary McClure Hardin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Gray Hardin, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Jackson Franklin Harbarger.

Lily Madeleine Hendrix, daughter of Ms. Ashley Reese Wells and Mr. Jerry Alan Hendrix, presented by her uncle, Mr. James Carter Wells, and escorted by Mr. James Michael Wall.

Elizabeth Anne Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Jefferson Jones, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Kyle Marshall Haulenbeek.

Julianna Ellen Kendall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Kendall, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Christopher Gregg Wright.

Abby Elaine Knowling, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert John Knowling, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John Martens Boerner.

Madeline Beatty Kofskey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Kofskey, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Hunter Franklin Beck.

Amanda Katherine Malone, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Malone III, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. George Sage Lyons III.

Sarah Abbott Martinson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abbott McWhorter Martinson, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. William Austin Scoggins.

Hannah Caroline Martz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Garrett Martz, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Samuel Lee Andrew Marshall.

Susanne Hames McCrary, daughter of Ms. Myra Ponder McCrary and Mr. Roy Thorson McCrary, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Jeffery Charles McKinney.

Peyton Ann Mickle, daughter of Ms. Kayla Bradford Mickle and Mr. Patrick Dodd Mickle, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Colton Anthony Green.

Karen Tindall Morring, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymon Huston Morring, junior, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Andrew Neill Luther.

Sarah Elizabeth Moshier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Warren Moshier, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Owen Louis Averbuch.

Lauren Alexandra Neighbors, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James William Neighbors, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Charles Joseph Flynn.

Patton Lee Park, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce McEachin Park, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John Reed McMullan.

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Shoemake, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kyle Shoemake, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Robert Wallace Murray.

Megan Ann Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bart Karter Smith, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Ethan Frederick Abston.

Carolanne Sterling Spearman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bryson Spearman, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Luke Carlton Beasley.

Hannah Leigh Splawn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Helton Splawn, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Daniel Joseph Perez.

Millicent Leigh Steed, daughter of Ms. Cobb Steed and Mr. Jacob Chad Steed, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Chase Justin Lovell.

Mary Charles Stewart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Palmer Stewart, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John Nichols Webb.

Caroline Emily Wilson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Strautins Wilson, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Bryan Parker Laue.

Serving as marshals were Dane William Block; Jacob Dukes Bourland; Shelby Bragg Christian; William Harris Christian; Chad Nathan Caudle; Seth Thomas Couch; Robert Carter Lockwood, junior; Eli Andrew Reynolds; John Ryan Scoggins; Ian Matthew Taylor; Justin Michael Teets; Ryan Franklin Trimble; and Robert Harland Walker, junior.

The 2016 Ball Advisors were Dr. John Byron Cox, Daniel Glenn Halcomb, Warne Stahler Heath, Byrd Roy Latham, Dr. Douglas Leonard Patz, John Randolph Roper, Dr. Steven Patrick Decland Smith, John Bowman Switzer, Michael Kenan Timberlake, and Larry Allen Thomas.

Committee members included Nancy Colin, Advisor and 2015 Ball Chairman; Ivy Albert, Guild President; Sarah Gessler, Debutante Presentation; Amelia Summerville and Theresa Taylor, Coordinators (VBC); Marie Newberry, Ball Secretary; Josie Craig and Pam Gann, Debutante Dance Coordinators; Lori Gregory, Bobsy Ingram, Elaine Pollard, and Joanna May, Debutante Project; Cheryl Bence, Dana Town, and Joyce Griffin, Debutante Tables; Anne Compton Burke and Debbie Washburn, Decorations; Beth Wise, Finance; Donna Rush, Sarah Hereford, and Susan Fredrickson, Food and Beverage; Jane Hill and Alison Junen, Debutante Honor Fund; Susan Anderson, Margaret Vann, Linda Maccubbin, and Heather Baumbach, Invitations; Karen Morris and Jamie Saunders, Marshals and Escorts; Rosemary Latham, Ann Myers, and Ashley Walker, Photography; Brenda Milberger and Karen Kimbrough, Programs; Pennie Keene, Karen Higgins, and Lisa Cole, Properties and Take Down; Sharon Gartrell, Jennifer Lapidus, and Janet Skidmore, Publicity; Paige Prozan, Susan Todd, and Wendy Tucker, Reservations; Karen Ferguson, Scrapbook.

The Symphony Guild sponsors the debutante program annually as a fundraiser for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

Young women invited to debut at the Symphony Ball are college sophomores with a history of community involvement.

Over 2.8 million dollars from all the past Balls have gone to the Symphony Orchestra.

For more information, email hsogcommunications@gmail.com

Symphony Ball Advisors: Row 1 (seated left to right) Dr. Steven Smith, Linda Akenhead (Ball Chair), Randy Roper, Dr. Doug Patz, | Row 2 (standing left to right) Warne Heath, Dr. John Cox, Dan Halcomb, John Switzer, Larry Thomas, Byrd Latham, Michael Timberlake

Symphony Guild Ball Committee: Row 1 (seated left to right) Sharon Gartrell, Nancy Colin, Patti Thornton, Amelia Summerville, Marie Newberry, Linda Akenhead (Ball Chair), Ivy Albert (Guild President), Pam Gann, Rosemary Latham, Debbie Washburn | Row 2 (standing left to right) Donna Rush, Jennifer Lapidus, Brenda Milberger, Ann Myers, Sarah Hereford, Susan Anderson, Karen Morris, Jamie Saunders, Theresa Taylor, Wendy Tucker, Anne Compton Burke, Karen Kimbrough

Front Row (left to right): Seth Couch, Ryan Trimble, Justin Teets, Dane Block, John Scoggins, Shelby Christian, William Christian | Back Row (left to right): Jacob Bourland, Eli Reynolds, Chad Caudle, Robert Walker, Carter Lockwood, Ian Taylor

Symphony Ball Marshals: Front Row (left to right) Seth Couch, Ryan Trimble, Justin Teets, Dane Block, John Scoggins, Shelby Christian, William Christian | Back Row (left to right) Jacob Bourland, Eli Reynolds, Chad Caudle, Robert Walker, Carter Lockwood, Ian Taylor

See more photos

Oct

Debutante honored at “Eve of the Ball” party

: Carter Wells, Sydna Johnson, Ashley Wells

: Michael Wall, Lily Hendrix, Carter Wells

Sydna and Bill Johnson honored their granddaughter, Lily Madeleine Hendrix, with an “Eve of the Ball” cocktail buffet at their McClung Avenue home. Lily was selected by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild to be one of the 2016 debutantes. For this occasion, she wore a forest green dress with a delicate lace overlay.

Tamara Olive arranged the flowers with hydrangeas in a large silver vase, which adorned the entry table of the Johnson’s 1908 home. Roses, lilies, snapdragons, and hydrangeas in a silver wine cooler served as the dining room table centerpiece. Vases of delphiniums were placed in front of the stained glass windows in the dining room. In the more informal spaces, seasonal gourds, fall, and Halloween arrangements decorated the home.

Ashley Carlton catered the cocktail buffet and Justin Ennis tended bar for the guests. The buffet menu’s features consisted of beef tenderloin with homemade rolls and sauce, grilled chicken, shrimp and grits bites, bacon bleu cheese savory cheesecake with fruit and crackers, and mini twice-baked potatoes. In addition, vegetables and dip, assorted pick-up sweets, toasted pecans, and cheese straws were served.

Jimmy Wall and Joanne Wall, grandparents of Lily’s escort to the ball, Michael Wall, were special guests. Her great-aunts, Delia Scott and Gwen Belle-Isle, were special out-of-town guests. Family and friends of Lily’s spanning three generations joined the party to celebrate her presentation as a debutante.

Oct

See What’s in Huntsville’s Pumpkin Patch!

Pumpkin by Guild Member Heather Baumbauch

Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild (HSOG) is represented among the entries in Huntsville’s Inaugural Pumpkin Patch. One of our talented members, Heather Baumbach, created this for the Guild. Pumpkins will decorate the windows of downtown businesses October 17 – 31 as part of Arts Huntsville’s annual Fall for the Arts celebration of National Arts & Humanities Month.

Oct

2016 Symphony Ball Advisors’ Party

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

Continue reading →

Jun

Huntsville Symphony Ball debutantes participate in two service projects

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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