Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama held its annual Women of Distinction Awards on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at the Jackson Center in Huntsville.
The Women of Distinction Awards program is the premier event for Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama. First celebrated in 1976, each awards program honors local women who have made significant contributions in their professions and communities.
HSOG Members Ivy Albert and Kay Eastin both received Woman of Distinction Awards!
Beth Wise and Susan Anderson just returned from Detroit where they attended the League of American Orchestras Conference. While there Susan presented the Arts and Academics Study Group project, which received a Gold Book Classic Award. The award represents our collaborative effort to improve attendance and add value to the work we do with educators, musicians, and students in the classroom prior to the Young Peoples Concert.
“This special Gold Book Award is not given every year. It recognizes a project that has made a continuous contribution to its orchestra and community for 10 years or more.” – Beth Wise
Debbie McKinney, President of the Volunteer Council with Susan Anderson
Camille Williams, Conference Awards Chair with Susan Anderson
Huntsville Country Club provided a scenic setting for photographs of the 42 young women who will make their debut at the 2017 Symphony Ball October 28th. The young women enjoyed their first week of the season with three activities: the Debutante Tea at the home of Mrs. Ernest Wayne Bonner, 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 the Huntsville’s own professional Symphony Orchestra. It entails many hours of work by the event sponsor, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild. Patti Thornton is chairwoman of the 2017 Ball, and this year will be the 54th Ball.
The 2017 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 28th in the Von Braun Center North Hall.
Following is a list of the 2017 debutantes, their parents, their high schools, and colleges:
Peyton Leigh Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Todd Brown, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Callie McGinn Campbell, daughter of Ms. Jenifer Campbell and Dr. Allen Campbell, Huntsville High school, Auburn University
Catherine Mae Cape, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lee Cape, Whitesburg Christian Academy, Mississippi College
Hannah Page Clayton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Clayton, Randolph School, Furman University
Sydney Grace Cole, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy John Cole, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Sarah Grace Copeland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Graham Copeland, Randolph School, University of Alabama
Molly Kathryn Cornelius, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stephen Cornelius, Huntsville High School, Birmingham Southern College
Lillian Grace Couvillon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hanson Lawrence Couvillon, junior, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Hayley Cynthia Dent, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Vaden Dent, junior, Covenant Christian Academy, University of Alabama, Huntsville
Melissa Meaghan Dillard, daughter of Mrs. David Wade Skidmore and Mr. William Hale Dillard, Randolph School, Samford University
Victoria Prescott Fennell, daughter of Dr. Angela Saint Fennell and Mr. Raymond Prescott Fennell, Randolph School, Southern Methodist University
Polly Elizabeth Gartrell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Conant Gartrell, junior, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Elizabeth Montague Gold, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Joseph Gold, Randolph School, Villanova University
Carol Frances Graffeo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Anthony Graffeo, Huntsville High School, Samford University
Jordan Patricia Hanks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William James Hanks, Huntsville High School, Auburn University
Mary Grace Hash, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Lee Hash II, Randolph School, Wake Forest University
Windham Elizabeth Hunter, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Vernon Ross Hunter, junior, Randolph School, Vanderbilt University
Alexa Anne Janssen, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Eric Wilfred Janssen, Randolph School, University of Alabama
Emory Brennis Johnson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Dee Johnson, junior, Randolph School, Pepperdine University
Macey Ann Johnson, daughter of Ms. Mary Margaret Batson Johnson and Mr. Harold Gregory Johnson, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Caroline Olivia Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Gresham Jones, Randolph School, University of Alabama
Megan Cecelia Kesting, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lawrence Kesting, Huntsville High School, Auburn University
Bonnie Nichole Lioce, daughter of Dr. Lori Lioce and Mr. Nick Lioce, Randolph School, Birmingham Southern College
Anne Dillon Loflin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Phifer Loflin, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Jordan Elizabeth Loftin, daughter of Ms. Roney Loftin and Mr. Gordon Bartley Loftin III, Randolph School, Birmingham Southern College
Claudia Grace Lynn, daughter of Dr. Susanne Lynn and Mr. Jeffrey Leonard Lynn, Randolph School, Auburn University
Lillian Grace Markwalter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eugene Markwalter, junior, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Sarah Alexandra Miner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy James Miner, Independence High School, University of Alabama
Lauren Elle Noller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Christ Noller, junior, Randolph School, Mississippi State University
Elizabeth Chason Norris, daughter of Mrs. Van Valkenburgh Norris and Mr. John Edward Norris, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Megan Danielle Pollard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Kirk Pollard, Huntsville High School, Auburn University
Emily Anne Reiney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Keenan Reiney, senior, Randolph School, American University
Hannah Elizabeth Schrimsher, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Lee Schrimsher, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Alysa Trotter Sexton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Britt Sexton, Randolph School, University of Alabama
RileyAnne Harrington Sharpe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Bruce Sharpe, Huntsville High School, Centre College
Sally Frances Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Franklin Smith, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama
Evelyn Claire Sutton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stanley Sutton, Huntsville High School, University of North Alabama
Sally Louise Swing, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Anthony Swing, Huntsville High School, Auburn University
Allison Frances Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Leigh Taylor, Huntsville High School, Samford University
Emily Allison Tucker, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Scott Tucker, Huntsville High School, Washington and Lee
Meredith Jane Walker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Winston Clay Walker, Randolph School, Auburn University
Taylor Grace Willis, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Albert Edward Willis II, Huntsville High school, Auburn University
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
Each year, the Symphony Ball debutantes participate in a community service project and seminar 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: the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. The Service Project and Seminar, which was held Friday, the 19th of May, 2017, started with the debutantes gathering at the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra office.
Sharon Hicks, Director of Education 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. Hicks 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.
The young ladies then boarded the 1920s vintage-inspired downtown Huntsville trolley for a ride to the campus of UAB Health Clinic. The Debutantes 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 cooks were illustrated by the late Bill May, father of former Debutante Hughston May. The coloring book packets will be given to Huntsville Hospital patients visiting the Pediatric Emergency Room and those in both the Pediatric Unit and the Pediatric ICU.
While the debutantes enjoyed lunch, Candy Burnett, President of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, kicked off the workshop with a “baker’s dozen tips for success” presentation. Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild member Lori Gregory also presented “Polish your Professionalism” reviewing business etiquette to aide in their career development. The event concluded with a Career Planning Workshop where the young Huntsville Hospital professionals conducted round robin sessions highlighting their careers. The ladies learned about the many different career paths within the Hospital from various departments including Business, Nursing, Radiology and more. Many of the speakers were former Debutantes.
Huntsville Hospital 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, Joanna May and Dana Lusk. The young ladies will be formally introduced to the community during the 54th Symphony Ball on October 28, 2017.
The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.
For further information, call Jennifer Lapidus, 256-520-6175
2017 Symphony Ball debutantes and their mothers enjoyed a lovely afternoon Tea, Wednesday, May 17th at the beautiful home of Guild member, Charlie Bonner. The previous year’s Ball Chairman hosts the annual event and this year, Linda Akenhead continued the tradition. The Debutante Tea marks the official start of the Debutante social season.
Attending the event were the 42 young women who will make their debut at the 54th Symphony Ball, October 28, together with their mothers, and the members of the 2017 Ball Committee, past Guild Presidents and officers, past Ball Chairmen, and the wives of the Ball advisors.
Guests were greeted by Charlie, along with 2017 Ball Chairman, Patti Thornton, and Symphony Guild President, Pam Gann. 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 Chairman, 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 Linda. 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, and variety of sweets that included strawberry and chocolate bites and iced lemon shortbread cookies. The centerpiece, as well as the flowers in the foyer, was towering arrangements by In Bloom Floral Design Studio, with beautiful spring flowers of white and pink roses, pink peonies, snapdragons, lilies and orchids. Punch and sparkling grape juice were served by past Ball Chairmen and past Presidents Marie Newberry, Suzanne O’Conner, Betty Tomlin, Rosalie Smith, Nancy Colin and Margaret Vann.
The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefiting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.
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!
Welcoming line, including (left to right) HYO Musical Director Joseph Lee, HYO Board member Deborah Brown, Oscar Hereford who has helped with the Silver Tea for years, HSOG President Ivy Downs Albert, 2016 Silver Tea Chair Karen Higgins, and hostess Emily Reiney.
Each holiday season our homes fill with excitement, togetherness and tradition. This holiday season all of these elements came together once again for the 2016 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild Silver Tea. The Thursday, December 8 event was the 51st Anniversary of the Silver Tea which is a major fundraiser for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra. As always, the Silver Tea offered a magical and elegant afternoon. Guests enjoyed the ambience of a beautiful setting and the music of some of the area’s most talented young musicians.
The lovely home of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Reiney located at 604 Adams Street in Twickenham was the site of this year’s tea. The home was decorated throughout and provided each guest with a warm, festive, holiday atmosphere. The elegance of the home offered the perfect environment for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra to perform and friends to reconnect. Catering was provided by Sallie Ennis and Betty Lankford and the presentation of all the delectable treats was stylish and festive.
As guests arrived for the holiday event, Karen Higgins, 2016 Silver Tea Chairman, and her committee welcomed them to a very special afternoon of music, delicious tea foods, and warm hospitality. Young musicians from the Huntsville Youth Orchestra performed an array of music, and entertained guests as they mingled.
Members of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra Board, Deborah Brown and Jo Lee, as well as Guild President Ivy Albert and Hostess, Emily Reiney also welcomed guests as they arrived, Other members serving on the committee with Karen were Advisor, Karen Morris; Catering Liaison, Amelia Summerville; Cloak Room, Tara Brown; HYO Liaison, Ashley Walker; Invitations, Brenda Milberger and Stacey Gardner; Data Base, Joyce Griffin and Dana Town; Past President Punch Bowl, Debbie Overcash; Silver Bowl, Margaret Anne Crumlish; Volunteers/Hostesses, Lisa Cole and Jamie Saunders; Transportation/Security, Pennie Keene and Laura McFeely; Reservations, Nancy Richardson; Publicity, Sandy Knowling and Heather James. Also providing time and assistance were Mr. James Higgins, Mr. Pat Sanders, Mr. Mike Lapidius and Mr. David Phillips who kindly took time from their professional careers to greet guests and help them from their cars to the entrance.
Much to everyone’s joy, members of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra presented a mixture of popular holiday tunes and standard classical works. The afternoon performers were scheduled by HYO Executive Director, Deborah Brown and included; Caleb Doughty, Felicia Onawola, Geon Park, Constance Wang, Zachary Calinsky, Joshua Boyd, Jasmine McKenzie, Lydia Moore and Adam Moore, Gabriel Abrantes (violin), Jonathan Abrantes (violin), Caleb Abrantes (violin).
The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild is an organization whose primary purpose is to provide support for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. The organization is celebrating its 56th year of existence and looks forward to helping support the Orchestra and community. The Silver Tea is held annually as a benefit for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra. It has provided significant support for the young musicians throughout the years.
left to right: Ivy Downs Albert, HSOG President, Karen Higgins, 2016 Silver Tea Chair, Emily Reiney, hostess
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
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.)