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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Jun

2016 Symphony Ball Debutantes and Presenters Event

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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Jun

2016 Symphony Ball Debutantes Begin Social Season with Afternoon Tea

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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Jun

Symphony Ball to present 35 debutantes

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^rdBall.

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.

Mar

Guild presents check from Silver Tea to Huntsville Youth Orchestra

At our March 11 Guild Meeting, we presented a check to the Huntsville Youth Orchestra (HYO) in the amount of $14,000 for funds raised from the 2015 Silver Tea.

(left to right) Ashley Walker, 2016 Guild HYO liaison; Debbie Washburn, 2015/2016 Guild President; Karen Morris, 2015 Silver Tea Chair; Bruce Zeiger, HYO Board Chairman; Deborah Brown, HYO Executive Director; Joe Lee, HYO Music Director

Mar

The 43rd Annual Crescen-Dough Auction is set for Friday, April 15, 2016!

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild’s (HSOG) annual Crescen-Dough Auction is Huntsville’s original and best auction and one of the area’s favorite evenings of fun and entertainment. More than 500 items will be yours for the bidding – from the finest of jewels to one-of-a-kind parties, great vacations and incredible deals on items donated by local merchants.

For more information and to purchase tickets, email info@crescendoughauction.org, visit our Crescen-Dough Auction website at www.crescendoughauction.org or call the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Association business office: 256-539-4818.
The HSOG provides generous financial and volunteer support annually to the Symphony and its educational programs. During the Guild’s 56 years of service to the Orchestra, the Guild has raised over $7 million, of which half has been raised by Crescen-Dough. Also, the Guild has volunteered in excess of 736,000 hours to support the Symphony.

Evening Schedule of Events:

6:00 p.m. Doors Open/Silent

Auction  6:15 – 8:15 p.m.

Buffet Dinner  7:30 p.m.

Gift Certificates Close  8:00 p.m.

Silent Auction Items/ Items of Note Close  8:05 p.m.

Live Auction Begins  9:00 p.m. Cashiers Open

Please make plans to join us in making Crescen-Dough Auction 2016 successful!!!

Feb

Guild presents check from fundraisers to Huntsville Symphony Orchestra

At our January Guild meeting we presented a check to the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra (HSO) in the amount of $323,617.40 for funds raised from the 2014 Symphony Ball and the 2015 Crescen-Dough Auction.

(left to right) Patrick Robbins, Chairman HSO Board of Trustees; Dan Halcomb, HSO President and CEO; Pam Gann, 2014 Ball Chair; Beth Wise, 2014/2015 Guild President; Julie Malone, Chair 2015 Crescen-Dough Auction; Cheryl Bence, Co-Chair 2015 Auction

Dec

2015 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild Silver Tea

Each holiday season, our homes fill with excitement, togetherness and tradition. This holiday season, all of these elements came together once again for the 2015 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild Silver Tea.

The 50th Anniversary of the Silver Tea, which is a major fundraiser for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, was held recently, and, as always, the Silver Tea offered a magical and elegant afternoon. Guests enjoyed the ambiance 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 William Wicks located at 600 Eagles Ridge Place 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 Morris, 2015 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 Bruce Zeiger, as well as Guild President Debbie Washburn and Hostess, Christine Wicks also welcomed guests as they arrived,

Other members serving on the committee with Karen were Advisor, Theresa Taylor; Catering Liaison, Amelia Summerville; Cloak Room, Pat Cross; HYO Liaison, Ashley Walker; Invitations, Marie Newberry and Donna Shergy; Data Base, Joyce Griffin and Dana Town; Past President Punch Bowl, Debbie Overcash; Silver Bowl, Linda Akenhead; Volunteers/Hostesses, Karen Higgins and Margaret Anne Crumlish; Transportation/Security, Darla Malueg; Reservations, Elizabeth Herrin; Publicity, Sandy Knowling and Lisa Cole. Also providing time and assistance were Mr. Tim Malueg, The Rev. John Ryberg and Mr. Sanford C.Morris Jr. 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; Gabriel Abrantes (violin), Jonathan Abrantes (violin), Anna South (cello), Maleah Ghem (viola), Katherine Reardon (bass).

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 55th 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.

The 2015 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild’s Silver Tea was held at the lovely home of Mr. and Mrs. Michael William Wicks on Eagles Ridge Place.

Deborah Brown, Debbie Washburn, Christine Wicks, Karen Morris, Bruce Zeiger

Debbie Washburn, Elizabeth Herrin, Naomi Dubois, Debbie Overcash

Continue reading →

Dec

2015 Symphony Ball

Front Row: Anna Grace South, Camille Nicole Shockley, Emily Rachel Lapidus, Josephine Ann Tucker, Susan Will Purvis, Mary Scott Pearson
Second Row: Lily Margaret Brooks, Lauren Grace Stevens, Mary Morgan Plott, Allyson Elizabeth Nuwayhid, Mallory Frances Castellow, Stephanie Nicole Gilbert, Cameron Ann Seeley
Back Row: Sarah Gwin Moore, Katherine Hill Vest, Hughston Elizabeth May, Mary Katherine Russell

Front Row: Lauren Elizabeth Lowe, Sarah Reagan Tepool, Callie Christina Bragg, Abbie Porter Rodgers, Mary Margaret Ragland, Jordan Akin Lee
Second Row: Marian Witty Crump, AnnaMarie Marona, Leah Jeane Honkanen, Madeline Jewel Rushing, Lauren Alis Layton, Keeley Malone McMurray, Anna Catherine Brooks
Back Row: Mary Gray Lindstrom, Catherine Joseph Rasco, Emily Ann Clemons

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild had the honor of presenting 33 young women on Saturday, October 24, in the Von Braun Center North Hall at the 52nd Symphony Ball. Over 770 patrons, guests, friends and family attended the formal presentation and enjoyed “An Enchanted Southern Evening.” This year’s Ball was chaired by Nancy Colin.

The Von Braun Center North Hall was transformed into a colorful vision of shades of pinks, corals, and greens. Guests entered the North Hall through curtains of a shimmery coral fabric, adorned with cascading bouquets at the top corner of the swags. At the entrance, consoles covered in the same fabric were topped with an array of clear glass vases containing monochromatic floral arrangements of different varieties and floating candles in glass pillars. Inside the North Hall, tables were covered in coral cloths that reflected a subtle golden hue. Table arrangements were “antiqued” silver compotes containing hydrangeas, varying shades of pink roses, and bells of Ireland; while other tables were highlighted with cylindrical glass bowls containing low arrangements of the same flowers. The stage was draped in a cloud of white silk taffeta with double-tiered swags above. A focal point of the hall was a white canopy of taffeta that appeared to float above the entire length of the dance floor. The room was awash with a blush glow of light. As they were presented, Debutantes carried bouquets of the debutante rose, Latin Ambiance. 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, 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 never sounded better as everyone danced the night away.

Guests enjoyed a formal dinner of sliced pear salad and mixed greens with pear vinaigrette, filet of beef with roasted red pepper sauce, scalloped potatoes, bacon wrapped grilled asparagus, and Marsala mascarpone mousse with chocolate beignets.

Following are the 2015 Symphony Ball debutantes, their parents, presenters and escorts.

Callie Christina Bragg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Vann Bragg, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Albert Edward Willis III.

Anna Catherine Brooks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Gregory Brooks, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. William Jackson Fite, junior.

Lily Margaret Brooks, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. William Timothy Brooks, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John Reed Miller.

Mallory Frances Castellow, daughter of Mrs. Carl Lowe Castellow and the late Mr. Carl Lowe Castellow, presented by her uncle, Mr. David Kenneth Johnson, and escorted by Mr. Daniel Austin Robertson.

Emily Ann Clemons, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Alan Clemons, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Taylor Vincent Jennings.

Marian Witty Crump, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bryant Crump, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John McCurry Monroe.

Stephanie Nicole Gilbert, daughter of Ms. Jodi Louise Rutenberg and Mr. Scott Edward Gilbert, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Jacob Oliver Dean.

Leah Jeane Honkanen, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Frank Andrew Honkanen, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Grant Adcock Johannes.

Emily Rachel Lapidus, daughter of Mrs. Alissa Cohen Lapidus and Mr. Michael Louis Lapidus, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John Clay Pruett.

Lauren Alis Layton, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Troy Alan Layton, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John Carey Oliver.

Jordan Akin Lee, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. David Alan Lee, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Gerrit Sander Vanderwerff.

Mary Gray Lindstrom, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Collier Lindstrom, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Miller Smith Jackson.

Lauren Elizabeth Lowe, daughter of Mrs. Huettel Lowe and Mr. Peter Loftis Lowe, junior, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Richard Eugene Markwalter III.

AnnaMarie Marona, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wayne Marona, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Christopher Alan Burgoon.

Hughston Elizabeth May, daughter of Mrs. William Sterling May and the late Mr. William Sterling May, presented by her uncle, Mr. Roderick Mark Thornton, and escorted by Mr. Jorge Will Clements.

Keeley Malone McMurray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bradley David McMurray, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Peyton McDaniel Davis.

Sarah Gwin Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Elmo Moore, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Cole Holland Watt Milberger.

Allyson Elizabeth Nuwayhid, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ramsay Paul Nuwayhid, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Luke Nathanael Hamm.

Mary Scott Pearson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Calvin Pearson, junior, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Kyle Fulton Yokley.

Mary Morgan Plott, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Dwight Plott, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Ryan Robert Jones.

Susan Will Purvis, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Thomas Purvis, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Colin Walker Finnell.

Mary Margaret Ragland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rowland Ragland, junior, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Timothy Leo Carruthers.

Catherine Joseph Rasco, daughter of Mrs. Dowdle Rasco and Mr. Mark Alexander Rasco, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Thomas Kurt DeLay, junior.

Abbie Porter Rodgers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Stanley Rodgers, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Peter Loftis Lowe III.

Madeline Jewel Rushing, daughter of Mrs. Tate Rushing and Dr. David Lee Rushing, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John Crawford Harper.

Mary Katherine Russell, daughter of Mrs. James Oliver Wright and Mr. Daniel Lewis Russell, junior, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. William Reid Sisk.

Cameron Ann Seeley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Burton Seeley, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Matthew Roger Bell.

Camille Nicole Shockley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Lynn Shockley, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Lucas Maximillian Damian.

Anna Grace South, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher McLeod South, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Alexander Bennett White.

Lauren Grace Stevens, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Richard Stevens, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Dino Srabovic.

Sarah Reagan Tepool, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Alan Tepool, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Austin Gray Hughes.

Josephine Ann Tucker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond McEachern Tucker, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Ryan Douglas Lee.

Katherine Hill Vest, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Lee Vest, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Charles Gann Nelson.

Serving as marshals were Robert Joseph Darden, William Andrew Glenn, Richard Anderson Hamm, junior; Nathan Hayes Ludwig, William Self Propst III, Jeffrey Ross Suwarow, John Connor Suwarow, and John Wildsmith Thornton.

The 2015 Ball Advisors were Andrew Jeffrey Albert, Ernest Wellwood Colin, junior; Dr. John D. Johnson, junior; Ronald Elwyn Reed, Patrick Adair Robbins, John Randolph Roper, Dr. John Edwin Rush, George Autry Smith II, Steven Curtis Thornton, and Richard Powell Van Valkenburgh, junior.

Committee members included Pamela Gann, Advisor and 2014 Ball Chairman; Debbie Washburn, Guild President; Betsy Lowe, Debutante Presentation; Amelia Summerville and Theresa Taylor, Arrangements; Ivy Albert, Ball Secretary; Donna Rush, Sallie Ennis, and Cara Greco, Debutante Tables; Patti Thornton, Lee Anne Bostick, and Anne Compton Burke, Decorations; Beth Wise, Finance; Donna Shergy, Linda Akenhead, and Karen Kiss, Food and Beverage; Daphne Reed, Honorarium; Ann Rivard, Cathy Scholl, and Kim Johnson, Invitations; Brenda Milberger and Debbie Overcash, Marshals and Escorts; Lee Anne Smith and April Russell, Photography; Nancy Richardson and Suzanne O’Connor, Programs; Pennie Keene, Julie Malone, and Wendy Tucker, Properties and Take Down; Sharon Gartrell and Janet Skidmore, Publicity; Susan Todd and Paige Prozan, Reservations; Cynthia Masucci, Scrapbook; Lori Gregory, Bobsy Ingram, Karen Kimbrough, and Elaine Pollard, Debutante Project; Josie Craig, Debutantes and Presenters Event.

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.

Since its inception, the event has raised more than $2.7 million to support orchestral music for the community.

Front row: Andrew Jeffrey Albert, Ed Rush, Nancy Colin (Ball Chair), Richard Van Valkenburgh, Randy Roper, Patrick Robbins
Back row: Steve Thornton, George Smith, John Johnson, Skipper Colin

Front row (left to right): Betsy Lowe, Ivy Albert, Amelia Summerville, Pam Gann, Nancy Colin (Ball Chair), Debbie Washburn, Suzanne O’Connor, Donna Shergy
Second row (left to right): Sharon Gartrell, Donna Rush, Linda Akenhead, Debbie Overcash, Karen Kiss, Daphne Reed, Josie Craig, Anne Compton Burke, Patti Thornton, Lee Anne Smith, Janet Skidmore
Third row (left to right): Kim Johnson, Beth Wise, Brenda Milberger, Lee Anne Bostick
Fourth row (left to right): Theresa Taylor, Pennie Keene, Paige Prozan, Susan Todd, Lori Gregory

Dec

Debutantes honored at pre-Ball party

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