President - Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras

I N T H I S I SSU E
Greetings from the President
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Our Advisors
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Points to Ponder and Smile
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Amarillo Symphony League
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Dallas Symphony Orchestra
League
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Women’s Symphony League of
Tyler
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Plano Symphony Orchestra Guild
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FASO Brazos Valley
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San Angelo Symphony Guild
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Waco Symphony Council
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Wichita Falls Symphony League
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League of American Orchestras
Update
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Texas Commission for the Arts
From The
President
GREETINGS
From TASO President Jo Ann Treat
Our first Newsletter for TASO’s New Year is here – thanks to our
Newsletter Co-Chairs, Sharon Knowles and Janie Orr. This is an
excellent avenue for keeping up with TASO and our member
organizations; so, please take the time to read the valuable and
interesting information.
TASO and its many members are blessed with an outstanding and
dedicated group of board members – officers, committee chairs,
representatives, and advisors. I look to each of them for assuring that
TASO’s activities provide benefit to the leagues and guilds that
support the many symphony orchestras of our great State of
Texas. Work is in full swing on the activities and wonderful events
of the year; but, this work becomes more valuable when the presidents
and boards of our member organizations embrace the benefits to
which TASO is dedicated:
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Figure 1
Communication Network: Annual Conference, Newsletters,
TASO Website and Speakers
Clearing House for Ideas: Education, Fundraising, Leadership,
Membership, Technology and Successful Marketing
Recognition: Awards & Recognition of Member Organizations,
and of Corporate and Community Leadership which have
demonstrated their commitment to symphonic music in our
communities; and the Juanita Miller Concerto Competition.
Arts Advocacy: Actively Promoting and Increasing Awareness of
the Arts, particularly symphonic music, and Sponsoring a Youth
Concerto Competition.
One of my major interests this year is pursuing greater interaction with our member organizations. It
is important that their leadership understand and avail themselves to the benefits of TASO. But, it is
equally important that TASO continue to strive to learn and meet the needs of our members. So to
all the members of our community organizations and to our board, please know that I would welcome
any discussions with you regarding TASO and how it might better serve. My e-mail is
[email protected] so please use it to let me hear from you.
At this point I would like to give a very special thank you to our new Secretary, Candis Hicks. I feel
that this is one of the most difficult jobs in TASO and that she has worked hard and selflessly to be sure
that she does it very, very well. She is my right hand.
Well underway for our year is the work of the following committees:
The two awards committees are reviewing, considering and selecting the winners: Awards of Excellence
which is chaired by Tiffany Ammerman; and Recognition of Projects submitted by our members, a
committee chaired by Susan Douglas. We look forward to their determinations with great interest.
Later this fall, applications for the next year’s awards will be posted on our website. The Juanita Miller
Concerto Competition to be held on January 9, 2016: Jeannie Miller and her many committee members
have made significant strides to assurer another outstanding event. She needs all of us to pitch in one way
or another, but particularly on that day. Please do not hesitate to say “yes” if you are called upon.
Our Annual Conference to be held in Amarillo on April 22-23, 2016: Co-chaired by Terry White
and Kathy Shelton, the plans developed by them will give us opportunities for education, networking,
and entertainment. For some of our members Amarillo is a considerable distance, but I assure you that it
will be well worth your time and effort – so Mark your Calendar! If you have questions about the
conference, on our website you will find an opportunity to sign in and contact the committee – see the
page on Conference.
While I have cited particular activities, there is much other work that involves TASO Board
members. You can learn who our officers and committee chairs are and much more by going to our
website
Please go to our website http://www.tasovolunteers.com to learn more about our officers and committee
chairs. It contains a world of valuable information and links.
My slogan for this year is “ . . . together we can do great things.”
It is from a quote of Mother Teresa –
“I can do things that you cannot,
You can do things that I cannot,
But, together we can do great things.”
Serving as the TASO President this year is one of the really special honors in my life! And it is giving
me a wonderful opportunity to get to know the many members better. I thank you very much!!
Jo Ann Treat, President 2015-2016
Our Advisors
The advisors are primarily TASO Past Presidents, and are valuable to our organization. They impart
wisdom, provide guidance and counsel, offer suggestions, advocate, recommend, urge, suggest, and
encourage. Thank you to the 2015-2016 advisors:
1988 President Gayle Laminack
1989 President Mary Padgett
2001 President Laura Hyde
2002 President Grace Boner
2004 President Tiffany Ammerman
2005 President Nancie N. Rissing
2007 President Heather Moore
2008 President Helen Shaffer
2009 President Marsha K. Green
2010 President LaVerne Gollob
2011 President Jan Adair Bradley
2013 President Deborah Brown
2014 President Betty Wall
2015 President Annette Findley
Bless you all and Thank YOU for keeping TASO on the path to promote, develop, and support our
Symphony Orchestras.
Photos provided by Anne Blomeyer at the June 15, 2015 Meeting.
Laura Hyde, LaVerne Gollob, & Heather Moore
Annette Findley speaking to others
Points to Ponder and Smile
Life’s Little Instruction Book
By H. Jackson Brown Jr.
346 - Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret
the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
347 - Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
441 - When meeting someone you don’t know well, extend your hand and give
them your name. Never assume they remember you even if you’ve met them
before.
442 - Do it right the first time.
443 - Laugh a lot. A good sense of humor cures almost all of life’s ills.
444 - Never underestimate the power of a kind word or deed.
Amarillo Symphony Orchestra League
Submitted by Kathy Sheldon
Get ready to be TRANSFORMED at the 2016 TASO conference in Amarillo!
You won’t want to miss our fabulous speakers and events guaranteed to transform your memberships and your
symphonies relevance to the community.
Join us in Amarillo on April 22nd and 23rd as we work together to do great things!
Be sure and check the TASO website regularly as we will be posting exciting updates on the conference and
our speakers--be ready to be TRANSFORMED!
Dallas Symphony Orchestra League
Submitted by Deborah Brown
Party of Note with DSO Musicians
Members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League held a “Party of Note” for symphony patrons with DSO
Principal Flutist Demarre McGill on May 11 in the private room at Morton’s Steak House.
Although the evening had been scheduled for months, a medical condition prevented him from being able to do
a brief performance as originally planned. Demarre invited DSO musicians Jennifer Humphreys (cello) and
Lydia Umlauf (violinist) to attend with him and they provided a delightful medley of musical selections for the
guests. It was followed by Q&A allowing the attendees to learn about the musicians and their instruments.
Morton’s underwrote the dinners so money raised could go straight to the DSO education and community
programming.
Photos by
Deborah
Brown
Event chair Connie Rhoades,
with DSO Principal Flutist Demarre McGill,
and DSOL President Dixie Marshall.
Sarah Hardin, Mari Epperson, Melissa Lewi, & Allison Brodnax
DSOL Debutantes
Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Introduces Debutantes for the 30th Annual Presentation Ball
At Announcement Weekend Events
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League introduced the 2015-16 Debutantes during Announcement Weekend
festivities May 29 - May 31. The weekend marked the official start of a series of events culminating with the
30th Presentation Ball, which will be held February 20, 2016.
Announcement Weekend included an announcement party at Neiman Marcus on Friday, May 29, and a reception
and fashion show on Saturday, May 30, also at Neiman Marcus. Designer Patti Flowers hosted a reception on
Sunday, May 31 at her studio.
Presentation Ball Chair is Nancy Labadie and DSOL President is Melissa Lewis.
The 2016 debutantes are: Lauren Beal, Tasha Beal, Sarah Blazejewski, Ashley Clark, Ciara Cooley, Katherine
Cullins, Loring Dalton, Mary Catherine Davis, Audrey Dike, Lindsey Elliott, Gail Ewing, Elena Frattaroli, Lizzy
Gates, Ashton Gillespie, Linda Gilmore, Lily Guevel, Margaret Hamm, Mary Margaret Hancock, Carolina
Henry, Alexandra Henry, McKenzie Hicks, Allison Horn, Maddie Lee, Eleanor Light, Tai Massimilian, Caroline
McDaniel, Margaret Mulcahy, Madison Mulligan, Elizabeth Perry, Peyton Porter, Lowrie Reniger, Megan
Rooney, Payton Scott, Laura Scully, Callie Stone, Darby Strickland, Abby Tisdale, Kayla Vrij, Meredith
Weaver, Allison Weil, Mary Wheat, Morgan Winspear, and Allison Zashin.
The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. More than $10
million has been raised for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through the annual event, which was created with
the vision of long-time League member Tincy Miller, who chaired the first ball.
Founded in 1946, the mission of the DSOL is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service,
education and fundraising activities. Since 1998 the League has contributed more than $13 million in support of
the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, which help bring the
wonder of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to thousands of youths and adults in the Dallas Metroplex.
Tincy Miller with
Buddy Lewis and
DSOL President
Melissa Lewis.
2016 Debutantes
Photos by Deborah Brown
Cynthia Beaird, event chair AB Aston, Presentation Ball Chair
Nancy Labadie and Allison Brodnax.
Cowboy Buffet, Dancing and Casino For Dallas Symphony Debutantes
Cowboy boots and cocktail dresses were the attire for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s debutantes
Casino Party held in Arlington Hall at Lee Park on July 24. The debs, honor guard, and their families had
a boot scootin’ good time with a cowboy buffet dinner, casino games, and dancing with live music. The
debs posed with a brand new Corvette provided by the Clay Cooley Auto Group for the party atmosphere.
The Debs posed with
a brand new Corvette,
provided by Clay
Cooley Auto Group
for party atmosphere.
Photo by James French
Debutante Ciara Cooley,
with her mom Lisa.
Presentation Ball Chair Nancy
Labadie, Event chair Eleanor Bond,
and DSOL President Melissa Lewis.
Photos by Deborah Brown
Women’s Symphony League of Tyler
Submitted by Cindy Kidwell
The Women’s Symphony League of Tyler was well represented when the League of American Orchestras (LOA)
met in Cleveland in May. Laura Hyde, Immediate Past President of the National Volunteer Council, hosted a
celebration dinner for Volunteer Council members at the close of the convention. Other Tyler-ites attending the
conclave were Cheryl Rogers, outgoing WSL President; Linda Rowe, incoming WSL President; Cindy Kidwell, new
member of the LAO Volunteer Council; Nancy Wrenn, Executive Director of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra;
and D. M. Edwards, Immediate Past President, ETSO Board.
2015-2016 marks a special milestone for the Women’s Symphony League. WSL is celebrating 60 years of support
for the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and for music education in the Tyler area. In keeping with its “diamond
jubilee”, WSL launches fundraising activities in September with an annual style show themed “Diamonds are a Girls
Best Friend”.
The Women’s Symphony League is pleased to announce its contribution of $125,000
to the East Texas Symphony Orchestras for the 2015-2016 Season. In a special
opening night concert on Saturday, September 26, the East Texas Symphony
Orchestra dedicates its new orchestra shell at the University of Texas at Tyler Cowan
Center. Three masterworks, chosen to showcase the new acoustics, will feature
internationally acclaimed pianist Lucille Chung performing Prokofiev’s rousing
Piano Concerto No. 1; Desmond Hoebig in Schumann’s beautiful Cello Concerto;
and Saint-Saens epic Symphony No. 3, the Organ Symphony.
The Women’s Symphony League of Tyler was well represented when the League
of American Orchestras (LOA) met in Cleveland in May. Laura Hyde, Immediate
Past President of the National Volunteer Council, hosted a celebration dinner for
Volunteer Council members at the close of the convention. Other Tylerites
attending the conclave were Cheryl Rogers, outgoing WSL President; Linda Rowe, incoming WSL President;
Cindy Kidwell, new member of the LAO Volunteer Council; Nancy Wrenn, Executive Director of the East
Texas Symphony Orchestra; and D. M. Edwards, Immediate Past President, ETSO Board.
2015-2016 marks a special milestone for the Women’s Symphony League. WSL is celebrating 60 years of support
for the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and for music education in the Tyler area. In keeping with its “diamond
jubilee”, WSL launches fundraising activities in September with an annual style show themed “Diamonds are a Girls
Best Friend”.
The Women’s Symphony League is pleased to announce its contribution of $125,000 to the East Texas Symphony
Orchestras for the 2015-2016 Season. In a special opening night concert on Saturday, September 26, the East
Texas Symphony Orchestra dedicates its new orchestra shell at the University of Texas at Tyler Cowan
Center. Three masterworks, chosen to showcase the new acoustics, will feature internationally acclaimed pianist
Lucille Chung performing Prokofiev’s rousing Piano Concerto No. 1; Desmond Hoebig in Schumann’s beautiful
Cello Concerto; and Saint-Saens epic Symphony No. 3, the Organ Symphony.
Annette Findley, Immediate Past President for
TASO, presents Dr. Cheryl Rogers, WSL president,
with a TASO award for a project focused on a new
approach to League meetings.
Dr. Cheryl Rogers, outgoing WSL President, passes
the baton to incoming WSL President Linda Rowe
during the Joint Board meeting in May.
Incoming &outgoing WSL Presidents, Linda Rowe (left)
and Dr. Cheryl Rogers (right) visit with Laura Waits
(center) who opened her home for the spring 2015
meeting of Tyler's Women's Symphony League.
Dr. Cheryl Rogers and Linda Rowe, outgoing and
incoming WSL presidents, present a check to Nancy
Wrenn, ETSO Executive Director, for support of the
East Texas Symphony Orchestra.
Deborah Johnson and Noelle Courson,
chairman of "A Fresh Approach to the
Classics", greet guests at the wine and cheese
fundraiser at Fresh by Brookshires.
Suzanne Curtis, Lori Knight, Linda Rowe, and Jennifer
Smith visit at the spring WSL meeting.
Former TASO Presidents and TASO conference Vice President
Joi Smith enjoy a visit during a WSL meeting in Tyler.
From left to right, Laura Hyde, Joi Smith, Laverne Gollob,
and Annette Findley.
Members of the East Texas Youth Orchestra
entertain WSL members during a recent meeting.
Plano Symphony Orchestra Guild
Submitted by Irma Landis
The Plano Symphony Orchestra Guild Board was sworn in on June 7th at the Gleneagles Country
Club. Janie Orr will once again head this Board as President. She assembled an outstanding group of
women to join her in this effort. Each of the women selected for the different Guild Committees brings
excellent credentials in Education and life experiences. This is what makes the Guild Board so
successful. They are committed to excellence and to the Plano Symphony Orchestra.
Our President, Janie Orr, is well known in our community as a private business owner. She is not only
active with the Plano Guild, but she is active in TASO activities. Darlene Morford, Vice President, comes
to the Board with wide experiences as she has served on other Board Committees. She headed the Guild
Education Committee and served as Secretary too. She is in the Telecommunication Field and is
presently IT Solutions Manager for her company.
Our Guild Secretary is Sherry Stone. She is our newest member and yet she agreed to record our minutes
and keep us on the straight and narrow. Her back ground is in banking. While working in this field, she
was involved in the internal management of the banks and was also on the team involved in the construction
of bank buildings.
Tammy Miller, a former teacher, is Chair of the Education Committee. Ellie Barash continues as our
Fundraising Chair, with Shelly Van Derven, co-chair. Her committee has been honored by the League of
American Orchestras (LAO). Lori Simon-Roberts is the Guest Hospitality Committee Chair. She has served
the PSO in many capacities. She is a Layout Engineer with her company, Honeywell, Inc. She is also
involved throughout our community serving on other boards.
Gladys Chan, has chaired the Young Artist Competition for several years. There is no one who could
possible do all she does with this group of young musicians. She is a Math Major and Educator so she
keeps that program going with precision and ultimate success. The Membership Chair is Maria Mott. Maria
is quite involved in our community. She and her husband own a business involved with The Chamber of
Commerce, not only in Plano, but throughout the area. She is an ambassador for us as she connects with
the larger community.
The Hospitality Co-Chair is Beverly Wester. She is a former educator and very active in her church. She,
along with Christina Forte, plan our many activities as we entertain our subscribers and donors. Beverly
keeps the Events Calendar as only a teacher could. Irma Landis, Communications Chair, is widely known
throughout the City of Plano as she serves on multiple boards. She volunteers extensively with the Arts
Community. She also serves on the Library Advisory Board for the city. She does throughout the city what
her expertise is: Communicating!
Additionally, Gillian Stubblefield and Kim O’Bryon are chairing our Valentine Gala on Saturday, February
13, 2016. We look forward to a fabulous evening at the Plano Marriott Hotel at Legacy.
Thanks to all who serve the Plano Symphony Orchestra Guild.
Pictured at the Annual Plano Symphony
Guild Board Meeting are
Darlene Morford, Vice President,
Janie Orr, President, Arlene Johnson,
The Immediate
Guild Board
is food-tasting
for our
Past
Board President,
upcoming
Membership
Kickoff
Party,
Dr. Raj Menon, Board President,
courtesy
of the Communications
Hospitality Committee.
Irma Landis,
Chair,
and Maria Mott, Membership Chair.
Guild Chairmen Irma Landis,
Communications,
Photo by Kim
LarryO’Bryon,
Pollis. Gala,
The Plano Symphony Guild Board
in the PSO Board Room
(Back) Janie Orr - President, Ellie Barash Fundraising, Gillian Stubblefield - Gala,
Maria Mott - Membership,
Christina Forte -Hospitality,
Lori Simon-Roberts - Guest Artist Hospitality,
Darlene Morford - Vice President,
(Front) Sherry Stone- Secretary,
Gladys Chan - Young Artist Competition,
Shelley Van Derven - Fundraising,
Beverly Wester - Hospitality
Photo taken by Teri Janssen, PSO Staff.
The Guild Board is food-tasting for our upcoming Membership Kickoff Party, courtesy of the Hospitality Committee.
Other Guild Chairmen:
Irma Landis - Communications,
Kim O’Bryon - Gala, and
Tammy Miller - Education
Plano Symphony’s Executive Director announces Retirement
Debbie Watson, Executive Director of the Plano Symphony Orchestra is retiring at the
end of the year, December 31. We all do wish her well in her retirement. There is a
search committee at this address - [email protected] - for inquiries
concerning the position. Please forward this information to anyone who would want
to apply for the Executive Director Position.
FASO Brazos Valley
Submitted by Erin Kracht
The 2015-2016 season promises to be another outstanding one of amazing performances by the Brazos
Valley Symphony Orchestra! The BVSO’s opening concert combines legendary composers with rising
international star, Chinese pianist Fei Fei Dong. The evening begins with Maestro Marcelo Bussiki leading
the orchestra in Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony, one of his most light-hearted and playful works. Fei Fei
will then join the BVSO to perform Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1. Cliburn Piano Competition finalist,
Fei Fei has been charming audiences throughout the country and the world with her “passion, piquancy and
tenderness, and winning stage presence.” (Dallas Morning News)
The Annual Children’s Concert on November 2, 2015 will feature violinist Woodrow Wang, 2015 Brazos
Valley Youth Concerto Competition winner.
Under the baton of Maestro Bussiki, The Brazos Valley Chorale, Texas A and M Century Singers, and
Blinn Choral Union will join forces on November 22, 2015 with the BVSO to present a work of fierce
intensity and dramatic scope… Brahms’ A German Requiem. Featuring two great vocalists, acclaimed
lyric soprano, Mela Dailey and charismatic opera star, baritone Kelly Markgraf, this monumental work is
considered to be one of the most moving works ever written.
The Holiday Pops Concert which has become a signature Brazos Valley holiday tradition will be presented
on December 13, 2015 followed by a cookie reception hosted by FASO and the Symphony Belles.
The 4th Annual Golf Tournament in support of the
BVSO will be held again at the Pebble Creek Country
Club. The 18-hole championship golf course,
designed for both challenge and enjoyment, brings out
the best in players of all skill levels. Lakes, creeks
and woodlands provide a beautiful backdrop and
blend with the course design to provide a unique
experience in the Brazos valley. The Symphony
Belles assist with this special event along with their
many other volunteer services throughout the concert
season.
The Brazos Valley Symphony Belles
San Angelo Symphony Guild
Submitted by Candis Hicks
The San Angelo Symphony Guild is revving up for a spectacular year with the theme “The Wonderful
World of the Guild” - 60 years strong. Celebrating our 60th year and choosing a Disney related theme to
complement our symphony season Disney pops finale, the guild is also winding up membership, airing a
marketing commercial for recruitment purposes , making plans for January’s fabulous “Winter Wonderland
Gala” and informing membership of a wonderful slate of upcoming meetings.
Some of those upcoming meetings include - “Be our guest, Be our guest” with a Beauty and the Beast theme
for our opening belle introduction meeting and “There’s SNOW place like the Guild” for our Frozen
themed January meeting.
On the Symphony Side, our “Music is Life” themed season opens with The Doris Rousselot Memorial
Concert "The Overture" on the first Saturday of October. This concert features acclaimed Russian violinist
Yulia Iglinova.
Wishing all of you a great year,
The San Angelo Symphony Guild
Candis Hicks
Waco Symphony Council
Submitted by Debbie Thornton, TASO rep
Waco Symphony Council is eagerly anticipating another stellar year as the first Preview Party of the Council
year is previewing the Yo-Yo Ma Concert scheduled for October 15th. The Waco Symphony Orchestra is
only one of two Texas orchestras hosting the world renowned cellist this concert season. Yo-Yo Ma will
perform Dvorak's Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, op. 104, B minor. This special Gala Concert will be
the first concert of the fall season. This is a “must attend” concert for all!
Likewise, Council members look forward to this year's holiday concert, Holiday Magic, on December 11th.
This evening's concert will coincide with announcing the winner of the Celebrity Conductor Concert. This
fall fundraiser showcases the talented efforts of four contestants vying for the title of guest conductor during
a portion of that evening's concert.
Four celebrity contestants will solicit votes to ensure that they will secure the highest count enabling them
to conduct Sleigh Ride at the Holiday Magic pops concert. Council members work with these contestants
assisting them in the vote securing process. Expectation mounts as the contest progresses with Council and
community members alike engaging their resources to ensure that their favorite celebrity wins the much
coveted title of Celebrity Conductor.
Wichita Falls Symphony League
Submitted by Jane McGough
Instrument Petting Zoo
During the Spring, the Wichita Falls Symphony League presented an Instrument Petting Zoo to third grade
students at two elementary schools giving them an opportunity to “bang, blow and bow.” The purpose of
the program is to acquaint students with orchestral instruments and to create interest in playing an
instrument.
The program was set up to take students through “stations” of “families” of instruments. Musicians working
with the program included local members of the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, local music teachers
and one college percussionist from our local Midwestern State University. Students saw various instruments
demonstrated and then had the opportunity to play many of them.
With strings the students heard a variety of types of music from violins and a viola. The cello and bass were
also described. All students had the opportunity to use the bows and to pluck the strings on the violins and
viola.
In the Brass section, the musicians demonstrated the sound from a bugle, cornet, trumpet, trombone,
baritone and French horn. The students were allowed to blow most of them, and some did a really good job
getting sounds out of the most difficult brass.
Karen Bacus, our current League president, worked with another former music teacher in the woodwinds
section. They played the flute, oboe, clarinet and saxophone for the students. Since all but the flute were
instruments with reeds, only the flute could be blown by the students. Karen had them practice blowing on
their index fingers (shaped like a flute) with their upper lip over their lower lip; this “practice” helped most
of them to get sound out of the flute when they tried it.
The percussion section, obviously a favorite of the students, featured instruments brought by a WFSO
percussionist and a local college student. Here students were allowed to bang, shake or rub the instruments:
snare drums, triangle, cabasa, castanets, cuica (Lion’s roar), Conga drum, tambourine and wind chimes.
In another part of the program, a League member showed pictures of orchestral instruments, giving their
names and characteristics. Then she showed the pictures again and gave a “prize” to those students who
could name them.
The program was organized and orchestrated by Judy Pipes, a League member who played viola with the
WFSO for 50 years. Other League volunteers worked with the students—moving them from station to
station—so that they could see all the instruments we brought.
League Hosts Wine Tasting Event
The Wichita Falls Symphony League Spring Fundraiser, “Sonata: A Sensory Wine Experience,” was an
enjoyable and educational program brought by Donna René Johnston, the first person in Texas to earn the
Tasting Room Management Certificate from Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute in
California and the daughter of League member Charlotte Johnston.
Approximately 100 guests sat at tables while Donna René gave her presentation, which included showing
the different grape-growing regions in Texas and how each area’s climate dictates the kind of grapes that
can best be grown there. She also related information about the history of wine in Texas and how
horticulturist Thomas Volney Munson, from Denison, Texas, saved the French wine industry from a blight
of phylloxera that was destroying their vines.
As each of three types of wine was discussed, volunteers brought out trays of appropriate hors d’oeuvres
and poured the wine into the keepsake wine glasses marked with the logo of the WFSL
In addition to the wine tasting, attendees enjoyed music brought by a string ensemble from the Wichita
Falls Youth Symphony Orchestra and participated in raffles featuring a variety of items.
While Donna René works in Austin, weekends find her in the tasting room at Hye Meadow Winery in Hye,
Texas.
Donna René Johnston who brought the program
Sonata: A Sensory Wine Experience; her mother,
League member Charlotte Johnston; her sister
and her niece.
Guests are perusing the Raffle items at the Sonata event.
Laura Hyde (Tyler), Tiffany Ammerman (Marshall), and Terry White (Amarillo) –
Volunteer Council Members
Dr. Cheryl Rogers, immediate past President of the
WSL OF Tyler (pictured second from the left facing
the camera) participates in a learning game during
the League of American Orchestras meeting in May
in Cleveland. The board game was developed by
members of the LAO Volunteer Council to focus on
membership and leadership development.
Texas Commission on the Arts
Submitted by Linda Hatchel
A huge thank you to all who contacted your senators and representatives! The Texas Commission on the
Arts was successful in this last session in Austin.
We received our base budget appropriation of $13 million over the next biennium, which is in line with
TCA’s current budget. In addition, we received and addition $5 million for fiscal year 2016 for Cultural
Arts Districts.
Let’s continue “educating” all of our elected officials, both locally and statewide, about the importance of
the arts and of our symphony orchestras to the life and well-being of our communities and of the state.
Free Professional Development Webinars are now being offered through the TCA. On June 17, the first
webinar was offered on Public Relations and Crisis Management. The next live webinar is scheduled for
August 19 and will cover diversity. It will be presented by Dayron J. Miles, Manager of Community and
Audience Engagement at the Dallas Theater Center. Good News! All of our new professional development
webinars are recorded and available on our Professional Development video channel for free! Just go to
our TCA website (www.arts.texas.gov) to find out about these wonderful development opportunities.