What to do in regards to the 2020 Crescen-Dough All-Stat Auction and our current unprecedented circumstances has been weighing heavily on our minds. We feel that the best course of action is to make the 2020 auction 100% virtual and online.
Please note, that no ticket purchase is required to participate! Anyone and everyone who wants to help support the HSO can visit the auction website at www.crescendough.givesmart.com. All you need to do is register and get ready to start bidding on April 12 at 9am.
Since this will be a wholly online auction, we have decided to extend the bidding timeframe to allow for folks to peruse the items at their leisure. Bidding will be open from Sunday, April 12, at 9:00 a.m. and will close Sunday, April 19, at 5:00 p.m.
Thank you for your understanding and support! Register soon and get ready to bid early and often!
Jamie Saunders and Ina Wilson Smith, the 2020 Crescen-Auction chairs, proudly announced the theme for next year’s auction. The All Star Auction: 47 Years of Knocking It Out of the Park will be held on April 17, 2020 at the VBC – North Hall. Please check out the auction website at https://CrescenDough.givesmart.com.
About the Auction – The Crescen-Dough Auction is a fun-filled evening of bidding, socializing, and dining organized by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild to support the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and music education. The Auction has been held annually in April since 1973. Advanced reservations are required to attend.
Invest in your community’s children – Music education is the primary focus of the Guild. In cooperation with the Symphony School and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, the Guild makes possible Third Grade Violin Education for more than 3,000 children in 40 schools; the free Young People’s Concerts for thousands of area 4th graders; the hands-on instrument “Petting Zoo” at Panoply; and the Free Family Concert.
Invest in your orchestra – 65% of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s working budget depends on the generosity of people like you!
2019 Symphony Ball Advisors with Rosemary Latham, Ball Chair
The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild’s long-standing tradition continues in 2019, as Symphony Ball Chairwoman, Rosemary Latham, named her Ball advisors for the year and hosted them at an end-of-summer social on Sunday, August 18, 2019. 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. To show appreciation for their service to the Guild, Rosemary and her Ball Committee hosted the men and their spouses at an Advisors’ Cocktail Party in their honor at the home of Pam and Tony Gann. Dinner food was provided by Ina Rosa of Chef on Call and included an outstanding menu including Beef Teres Major; Shrimp & Kielbasa; Bacon Wrapped Chicken bites; Deviled eggs; Brie on Crostini; Gourmet Potatoes and Bayou Caviar. The desserts were delicious fudge and lemon tarts and chocolate eclairs.
2019 HSOG Ball Committee Members
The Symphony Ball will be held on November 2ndin the Von Braun Center North hall. It will be the 56thBall held to benefit 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.
The 2019 Symphony Ball advisors are as follows:
Dr. Robert Beaumont Akenhead is a Radiologist with Radiology of Huntsville. He is married to Linda Casselman Akenhead. His civic interests and activities include the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, the Huntsville Museum of Art, and First United Methodist Church. His professional associations include the American College of Radiology and the American College of Physicians. Rob’s hobbies include travel, photography and reading.
Mr. John Wheeler Allen is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. He is married to Courtney Penney Allen. His civic interests and activities include the Huntsville Museum of Art Development Board as Finance Chair, Leadership Huntsville Connect Class 7, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees, Youth Basketball Coach, member of The Ledges, Mission Hills Country Club, and Sweetens Golf Club Golf Course Rater for Golfweek Magazine. His professional associations include the Alabama State Bar. John’s hobbies include reading, golf, travel, and anything his daughter Harper is interested in.
Dr. Kent Travis Chojnacki is manager of WASA/MSFC. Kent’s is married to Lara Isbell Chojnacki. His civic interests and activities include the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. His professional associations include the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Kent’s hobbies include cooking and wine related pursuits.
The Honorable Loyd Hinton Little, junior is a retired Circuit Judge. He is married to Margaret Pugh Little. His civic interests and activities include Vice Chair, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Association Board of Trustees; Past President, Huntsville Rotary Club; Past President, Huntsville Madison County Bar Association; Former Member of Alabama Pattern Jury Instructions Committee; Faculty Member, Managing the Capital Case in Alabama (2008); Presiding Judge, Madison County, AL (2003-2006). His professional associations include the Alabama Bar Association, the Huntsville Madison County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Buddy’s hobbies include golf, reading, and travel.
Mr. William R. Lunsford is a Shareholder with Maynard, Cooper, and Gale, P.C. He is married to Ingrid Beech Lunsford. Bill’s civic interests and activities include Chairman, For Life Ministries and Leadership Huntsville Connect Class 1. His professional associations include the Alabama State Bar (Leadership Forum Graduation) and Vice President, Alabama Construction Industry Section. His honors include 2018, 2019 named to “The Best Lawyers in America” and Stancil R. Starnes Award for excellence in trial advocacy. His hobbies include golf and fishing.
Mr. Lewis Cecil Price is President of Pearce Construction Company Inc. He is married to Kathryn Wiley Price. His civic interests and activities include the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and the Huntsville Museum of Art (past Foundation Board Member). His professional associations include the Alabama Contractors Association, Business Council of Alabama, Huntsville Committee of 100, Downtown Huntsville Inc., and Executive Board Member, Greater Alabama Council, Boy Scouts of America. His hobbies include wilderness canoe camping, hunting and fishing.
Mr. Christopher S. Rodgers is Shareholder in Lanier Ford Shaver and Payne. He is married to Kimberly Porter Rodgers. Chris’s professional associations include Madison County Bar Association and Alabama Bar Association. His hobbies include hunting, fishing and Alabama football.
Mr. Robert Vandiver Rodgers is Partner with Ables, Baxter and Parker. Robert is married to Emily Chase Rodgers. His civic interests and activities include North Alabama Childcare Management and Church of the Nativity. His professional associations include the Huntsville/Madison County Bar Association. Robert’s hobbies include canoeing, reading new fiction, and history.
Mr. John Randolph Roper is owner of Randy Roper Interiors. His civic interests include serving as President of the Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association, and he is a past member of Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board and the Foundation Board of the Huntsville Museum of Art. Randy’s honors include Path of Honor, Senior Center; Honoree at 1stAmerican Diabetes Association Roast and a recipient of the Nell Oliver Award, Huntsville Museum of Art.
Mr. David Wade Skidmore is a Commercial Real Estate Appraiser, Attorney, and farmer. David is married to Janet Waites Skidmore. He is a member of Southwood Presbyterian Church and a Board of Trustees member of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. David’s hobbies include spending time with family and faith-based philanthropy.
Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Kenneth Ray Rivenbark is owner of Rivenbark & Roper Antiques. Ken is a 20-year veteran educator who has served as a national education consultant with an emphasis on training educators in the teaching of writing and was listed in “Who’s Who Among Top Teachers“ in 1998, 2005 and 2007. In 2006, he authored “Poetry and Prose Prompts: A Quick Guide to Teaching Writing Style.” He created and hosted the cable television show “Southern Heirlooms with Ken Rivenbark” from 2014-2017. Ken is a graduate of Leadership Huntsville/Madison County, Class 22. He serves as an Ambassador for Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology and a member of Downtown Huntsville, Incorporated. Ken has served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Governor’s Mansion in Montgomery, the Huntsville/Madison County Library Foundation Board of Directors, and the Advisory Board of the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees and the Huntsville Museum of Art Foundation Board of Directors. Ken is a member of Church of the Nativity in Huntsville.
2019 Symphony Ball debutantes and their mothers enjoyed a lovely afternoon Tea, Wednesday, May 15that the home of Laura Malone. The previous year’s Ball Chairman hosts the annual event and this year, Debbie Washburn continued the tradition. The Debutante Tea marks the official start of the Debutante social season.
Attending the event were the 28 young women who will make their debut at the 56thSymphony Ball, November 2nd, together with their mothers, and the members of the 2019 Ball Committee, past Guild Presidents and officers, past Ball Chairmen, and the wives of the Ball advisors. Guests were greeted by Debbie, along with 2019 Ball Chairman, Rosemary Latham, and Symphony Guild President, Patti Thornton.
The young women enjoyed catching up after their freshman year of college as they savored the delicious tea menu selected by Debbie. The Tea was catered by Carlton’s Catering and included a variety of delicacies including country ham and biscuits, chicken salad in pastry shells, cheese ring with fresh fruit, tomato and cucumber sandwiches, cheese straws and toasted pecans, and variety of sweets that included strawberry and chocolate bites and iced lemon shortbread cookies. Gracing the lovely dining room table was a beautiful blue and white Chinoiserie bowl with gold stand filled with an array of pale yellow and white Peonies, Freesia, spray roses, Oriental lilies and Hydrangeas accented with seeded Eucalyptus and Hypericum Berries arranged by Anne Compton Burke. This was the first peek at the containers that are going to be used at the 2019 Symphony Ball. The floral theme continued with an arrangement in a treasured Guild silver wine cooler that was given in 1993 by past Ball Chairman, in memory of Robin Lanier Stewart, 1988 Ball Chairman. It has been used every year at the Debutante Tea since 1993. Fruit tea punch and sparkling juice were served by past Ball Chairmen and past Presidents Linda Akenhead, Nancy Colin, Shelia Irby, Amelia Summerville and Betty Tomlin. Ball Committee members who greeted and served our guests were Susan Anderson, Anne Burke, Ashlee Duesing, Bobsy Ingram, Brenda Milberger, Jamie Saunders, Cathy Scholl, Janet Skidmore, Rosalie Smith and Kathy Williford.
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 benefiting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.
Front Row L to R Juliana Kattos, Olivia Kattos, Caroline Kattos, Sydney Flesch, Katherine Jones, Bankston Creech, Katherine Hunter Back Row L to R Mary Catherine Kelly, Crosby Loftin, Jessica Cape, Alice Henshaw, Caroline Jewell, Savannah Cagle, Lucy YarbroughFront Row L to R Sara Laine McNew, Caroline Stucky, Maggie Gardner, Lauren Kate Dodd Back Row L to R Elizabeth Johnson, Eve Schoenrock, Margaret Mitchell, Margaret Bryant, Elizabeth Walker
The Von Braun Center provided a scenic setting for photographs of the 28 young women who will make their debut at the 2019 Symphony Ball November 2nd. The young women enjoyed their first week of the season with three activities: the Debutante Tea at the home of Mrs. Laura Malone, a special Debutantes and Presenters event at the Von Braun Center, 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 the Huntsville’s own professional Symphony Orchestra. It entails many hours of work by the event sponsor, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild. Rosemary Latham is chairwoman of the 2019 Ball, and this year will be the 56thBall.
The 2019 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 November 2ndin the Von Braun Center North Hall.
Following is a list of the 2019 debutantes, their parents, their high schools, and colleges:
Catherine Dyar Ahia, daughter of Mrs. Conrad Shafer Ahia and the late Mr. Conrad Shafer Ahia, Westminster Christian Academy, Auburn University
Margaret Diane Bryant, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hall Blake Bryant III, Randolph School, University of Alabama
Savannah Sumners Cagle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Walker Cagle, Huntsville High School, Troy University
Jessica Lee Cape, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lee Cape, Huntsville High School, Auburn University
Audrey Lee Greenwood Clayton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Clayton, Laurel Springs School, University of Georgia
Elizabeth Bankston Creech, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen David Creech, Randolph School, Bryn Mawr College
Lauren Kate Dodd, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Jonathan Dodd, Randolph School, University of Alabama
Sydney Summers Flesch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Donald Flesch, Huntsville High School, University of North Alabama
Margaret Virginia Gardner, daughter of the Doctors Stacey Strickland Gardner and James Steven Gardner, Randolph School, Auburn University
Anne Elizabeth Hardin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Gray Hardin, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Alice Kathleen Henshaw, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Turner Henshaw, Huntsville High School, Belmont University
Margaret McKenzie Huckaby, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gary Carlton Huckaby, junior, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Katherine Montgomery Hunter, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Vernon Ross Hunter, Randolph School, Southern Methodist University
Caroline Lamar Jewell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roald E. Jewell, junior, Huntsville High School, Arizona State University, Tempe Campus
Elizabeth Marie Johnson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Dee Johnson, junior, Randolph School, Southern Methodist University
Katherine Lee Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bryant Jones, junior, Randolph School, Auburn University
Olivia Kathleen Kattos, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kattos, Huntsville High School, Troy University
Caroline Emily Kattos, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kattos, Huntsville High School, University of North Alabama
Juliana Catherine Kattos, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Nicholas Kattos, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Mary Catherine Kelly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Todd Kelly, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Crosby Camille Loftin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Mark Salchert and Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Gordon Bartley Loftin, III, Randolph School, Auburn University
Sara Laine McNew, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Ray McNew, Randolph School, University of Alabama
Margaret McCulloch Mitchell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Blake Mitchell, Randolph School, Samford University
Eve Kathryn Schoenrock, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Alan Schoenrock, Randolph School, United States Air Force Academy
Margaret Ruth Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Clay Smith, Episcopal School of Dallas, Elon University
Caroline Coleman Stucky, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Fred Sims Stucky III, Randolph School, Texas Christian University
Elizabeth Clay Walker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Winston Clay Walker, Randolph School, Auburn University
Lucy Margaret Yarbrough, daughter of Mrs. Julie Caneer Yarbrough and Mr. Malcolm David Yarbrough, Huntsville High School, Troy University
The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild (HSOG) has announced the 28 young ladies who will be presented at the 2019 Symphony Ball. The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild has presented the ball annually since 1964 and is a major fundraiser for the symphony.
The HSOG Ball is a time-honored and gracious tradition that begins each summer with teas and parties. Rosemary Latham will serve as chairman of the 2019 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Ball.
The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild is pleased to announce the debutantes for 2019.
For over 50 years, guests have looked forward to the Silver Tea to support the Huntsville Youth Orchestra and community music education. After an extensive renovation, the home owners graciously welcomed their first guests at the 2018 Silver Tea. The Tea was held on the traditional first Thursday in December and truly was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Guests were warmly greeted by home owner Christie Penney, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild President Marie Newberry, 2018 Silver Tea Chairman Courtney Allen, Huntsville Youth Orchestra Executive Director Deborah Brown, President of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra Board Dr. Camilla Pruitt, and Huntsville Youth Orchestra Music Director Joe Lee.
The “Weakly-Hay-Holmes House” which was built in 1904, is rich in architectural detail both inside and out. The renovation updated the home with elegant and modern touches while retaining all of its historic charm. With addition of windows throughout all three floors, guests were treated to inviting, natural light and to inspiring views of the grounds while they toured the home. Fresh greenery and flowers throughout accented the beautifully and brightly decorated home.
The dining room was filled with a delicious variety of afternoon tea treats by Betty Lankford and Sallie Ennis. These culinary delights were paired with White Christmas punch and Spiced Cranberry Wassail tea served by past Presidents of the Symphony Guild. In the great room, the talented musicians of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra performed throughout the Tea. The beautiful music and cheerful conversation of guests created a festive ambiance. It was a lovely and social afternoon enjoyed by all.
A big “Thank You” to the members of the Silver Tea Committee who worked so hard to make the Tea successful and memorable: catering liaison, Susie Fortner; cloak room, Naomi DuBois; HYO liaison, Ina Wilson Smith; database, Jamie Saunders; invitations, Susi Mann, past Presidents, Pam Gann; publicity, Tricia Murray and Jody Bridges; reservations and finance, Ginger Liles; room hostesses, Rosalie Smith; silver bowl, Linda Akenhead; transportation and security, Kathy Williford and Rosemary Latham; volunteers, Belinda Ivy; and advisor, Samantha Bentley. And to Christie Penney for opening her beautiful home and to Courtney Penney Allen for chairing this amazing event.
The Huntsville Youth Orchestra opened the 2018-2019 season October 21st at Trinity United Methodist Church. Four orchestras performed various works from ballets of Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and others. The next concert is December 2nd and Randolph’s Thursber Auditorium. Several chamber ensembles will perform at the annual Silver Tea on December 6th.
