News & Notes - April 2015
From the SVA President
The Symphony Volunteer Association is very busy. Have you heard me say this before? Oftentimes, STL Symphony volunteers and/or patrons ask me the question, “What’s happening in the SVA?” Here is a sampling: Picture the Music artwork is on display in the greater St. Louis area (the artwork is so beautiful); the Express the Music Awards Ceremony is coming up; SVA archives have been moved; volunteers are scheduled to assist with an upcoming Education Concert, Family Concert, and Coffee Concert; upcoming volunteer events include a One & Done Meet and Greet, New and Prospective Members’ Event, two board meetings, and the Spring Membership Meeting. The STL Symphony staff is working on events planned for our pleasure such as the 135th Anniversary Celebration and the concert at Lindenwood. Of course, the best of all is attending STL Symphony concerts; the spring schedule is marvelous!
Take a deep breath, get out your calendars, volunteer to help, attend a free event, or in some cases purchase a ticket for some or all of these events. See your friends. We have a unique organization because we make lasting friendships in the SVA and at the same time offer our support to the world-class STL Symphony.
Have you ordered next year’s season tickets for the STL Symphony? I have. Another exciting season under the baton and planning of Music Director David Robertson.
Regards,
Sara Fabick
President
St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association
p: 314-822-1183
Membership
Mark your calendar for our Spring Membership Meeting on Friday, May 8. The SVA is honored to have Marie-Hélène Bernard, incoming President/CEO of the STL Symphony, as our special guest and keynote speaker. How appropriate that the meeting will be held at the The Saint Louis Woman’s Club, as we welcome the first female president of the STL Symphony.
Vice Chair Odile Tompkins is doing the lion’s share of enrolling New and Prospective SVA members at this time with the help of Membership VP Anne Carman and Director Laura Dwyer. There will be a meet and greet, brief orientation, and wine and cheese reception for New and Prospective members on Wednesday, April 29 at the Centene Center from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Parking will be on the street at meters. If you have joined the SVA in the last two to three years, please feel free to attend this meeting. Maybe you feel you have not had many opportunities to volunteer. Please attend this meeting to learn about committees that could really use your help. Never worry about being forced into a leadership role, or being asked to do too much. In the SVA there is plenty of room for all ages, different time commitments, working and non-working members, women, and men. Contact Odile Tompkins to be sent an invitation and added to the guest list.
The printed and online SVA Membership Directory are two of the greatest tools we have to offer SVA members because we can contact members so easily. Do you have your latest directory? Please check the printed Membership Directory and the online version to see if your entry is correct. Report necessary changes to Director Laura Dwyer.
If you did not receive your 2014-2015 Membership Directory, please stop by the Powell Hall Boutique (open one hour before concerts and at intermission).
As of September 1, 2014, the minimum gift to the Friends of the Symphony which includes SVA membership is $75. Is your membership up to date?
Education
I have to keep a sticky note on my desk to remind me of what teams are included in Powell Hall Opportunities and yet every one of the team leaders and volunteers who participate are the real backbone of what we do for the STL Symphony.
Perhaps some of the most unsung heroes are the tours guides under the leadership of Alan Fiddleman. The guides offer tours at Education Concerts for schools and often give VIP tours when the STL Symphony makes special requests of them. Many of our own volunteers have never toured Powell Hall, and Alan has promised to give our group a special tour in the future. For example: have you seen the musician’s lounge, the music library, the secret rooms, or been on the stage of Powell Hall? The meet and greet for this committee takes place in August or September. Last year the guides shared some of the favorite stories they tell their groups. Some say that Libby Weinman is the only guide who runs (or walks very fast) to the top row of the balcony with her young charges. Of course, they all love climbing to high places. Any challengers.? If you love one of St. Louis’ finest historical buildings, Powell Hall, and want to become a guide, contact Alan Fiddleman.
The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra (YO) under Director Jessica Ingraham has exciting new programs for the members of the group which include learning many aspects of a musician’s career. Jessica has been very helpful with the Instrument Playground program, including arranging for YO students to perform a short passage of music for the IP PowerPoint presentation, “Introduction to the Families of the Orchestra.” I wish you could see the young students’ eyes light up when they see our own Youth Orchestra members playing. As a small way of saying thank you, the SVA will be a part of the YO Movie Night on Friday, April 24 at 7:00pm. Please contact Gerry Frankenfeld if you would like to help with refreshments, help defray the cost of refreshments, or volunteer at the event.
Fundraising
It has become a tradition for a donation from Friends of Gypsy (FOG) to be requested of SVA members. You will already have received a request by email to ask if you are interested in making a donation to the 43rd year of Gypsy Caravan. FOG members who contribute $20 will be listed in the Shopper’s Guide. Donations of more than $20 are highlighted in special type. Last year with the FOG donations and ads, the production of the guide was more than covered. We are quite a bit short of our goal of $2,400. Can you help out today? If you would like to be a FOG, print this form and return by mail. I am a FOG. Are you?
SVA Office Location and Directions
Centene Center for Arts and Education
3547 Olive St., Suite 370
St. Louis, MO 63103
Office Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
