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The League of American Orchestras Volunteer Council leads, advocates, and champions volunteer organizations in their efforts to support their orchestras' community outreach and civic partnerships to advance the experience of orchestral music.
Winter Edition 2026
Kellie Sullivan, Volunteer Notes Editor | Sullivanaxid@aol.com
In This Issue
Meet This Year’s Classic and Gold Award Winners
Volunteer News: Greensboro Symphony Guild
Volunteer News: Symphony Guild of Charlotte
Volunteer News: Kansas City Symphony League Volunteer News: Houston Symphony League
President's Message
Darlene Clark, President, Volunteer Council 2025-2026
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is enjoying getting back to volunteering for their favorite orchestra! We’re excited to gather June 1–3, 2026, in Baltimore for the League’s National Conference. The Volunteer Council is putting together a terrific agenda and we hope you'll join us. Read below for more details, including a celebration of our Gold Award of Excellence winners. We’re also actively seeking new members to join the League's Volunteer Council. It has been incredibly rewarding for me to work alongside Council members—both current and recent—who share a strong commitment to supporting our local orchestras and volunteers in League member orchestras across the country. We would love for you to consider joining us. Opportunities are available for both full and provisional membership, including ways to contribute to projects virtually via Zoom. You’ll find more details below in the newsletter.
Let’s keep the conversation going! We invite you to submit articles from your volunteer organization for inclusion in our newsletter and on social media. We look forward to hearing from you.
Photo: The Houston Symphony holds four Family Concerts each year, which allows volunteers (including myself, pictured) to motivate children to learn more about classical music at the Instrument Petting Zoo, crafts, and other creative music-related activities.
We are Baltimore Bound!
The League of American Orchestras' National Conference will take place in Baltimore, Maryland, June 1–3, 2026, bringing together orchestra professionals and volunteers from across the country for three days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. A highlight of the conference will be the Volunteer constituency sessions, designed specifically to support and strengthen the vital work of local symphony volunteer organizations. This year’s Volunteer programming will feature Gold Award winning projects showcasing exemplary, innovative programs as well as proven strategies from volunteer groups of all sizes. These sessions are intentionally practical and experience-based, offering attendees new and fresh ideas they can take back to their own organizations and adapt to their local communities. The Volunteer constituency sessions reflect a core commitment to inclusivity, relevance, and real-world support. But what does this mean in practice? It means recognizing that volunteer organizations are at different stages in their development and face distinct challenges and opportunities. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the Volunteer Council is focused on meeting organizations where they are in their journey and helping them move forward with confidence. Whether your volunteer group is seeking leadership training, embarking on strategic planning, exploring new fundraising ideas, strengthening volunteer recruitment, or refining governance and operations, the Volunteer Council is dedicated to providing tools, guidance, and peer learning to support meaningful progress. Conference sessions will emphasize practical takeaways, shared experiences, and adaptable models that respect each organization’s unique context. In addition, support from the VC does not end when the Conference concludes. The Volunteer Council’s assistance extends year-round, offering ongoing resources, shared expertise, and direct support to volunteer organizations across the country. All you have to do is ask. Join us in Baltimore June 1-3 to connect with peers, learn from leaders in the field, and gain actionable insights that can elevate volunteer impact nationwide. We hope to see you there!
Meet This Year’s Classic and Gold Award Winners
The Volunteer Council is pleased to announce this year’s Classic and Gold Awards, honoring five outstanding auxiliary organizations that have demonstrated creativity, innovation, and impact through projects that enhance membership, community engagement, and support of their orchestras. We look forward to learning more about their award-winning projects at the League's National Conference June 1-3, 2026.
Classic Award: Richmond Symphony League
This year’s Classic Award is presented to the Richmond Symphony League (RSL) for its 54th Annual Concerto Competition. The RSL continues to advance its mission of fostering interest in and appreciation for orchestral music through a wide range of programs and activities. Their annual statewide Concerto Competition exemplifies this commitment by bringing together the Richmond Symphony School of Music and the Richmond Symphony League in collaboration to support and showcase young musicians.
Gold Award: Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1964, the Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (FASO) has remained dedicated to its original mission: supporting the orchestra and promoting interest in orchestral music among young people—the next generation of musicians and concertgoers. FASO is being recognized for its “Pictures at an Exhibition” project, which engaged middle school students in creating artwork inspired by Mussorgsky’s iconic composition. In addition to this award-winning initiative, FASO members generously volunteer their time at Annapolis Symphony Orchestra concerts, outreach programs, musician auditions, and community events, helping raise awareness and support throughout the region.
Gold Awards: Houston Symphony League
The Houston Symphony League (HSL) is one of the nation’s oldest symphony auxiliary volunteer organizations, founded in 1937 as the Women’s Committee of the Houston Symphony Society. Since its inception, HSL has supported audience development, education, community outreach, and fundraising for the Houston Symphony.
Today, with a membership of more than 400 men and women, HSL is proud to receive two Gold Awards for its innovative projects:
- Easy Money: Driving Revenue Through Redefining Membership Dues
- Driving Impact Through Sponsorships
Both initiatives demonstrate forward-thinking strategies that strengthen sustainability and engagement.
Gold Award: Illinois Symphony Guild of Springfield
The Illinois Symphony Guild of Springfield is receiving a Gold Award for its new electronic newsletter, The Guild Gazette. The Guild plays a vital role in the orchestra's success through fundraising, event hosting, and building meaningful connections between the orchestra and the community. Launched in 2024, The Guild Gazette was created to strengthen relationships with current members, expand outreach to patrons and donors, and highlight the orchestra’s vitality during an exciting period marked by the hiring of a new music director and continued organizational growth.
Gold Award: Kansas City Symphony Alliance
Founded in 1961 as the Junior Women’s Philharmonic Association, the Kansas City Symphony Alliance (KCSA) has a long history of supporting symphonic music in the Kansas City region. After the Kansas City Philharmonic closed in the early 1980s, members quickly rallied behind the newly formed Kansas City Symphony. Today, KCSA is an enthusiastic, inclusive organization of men and women dedicated to promoting symphonic music through volunteering, educational initiatives, social activities, and fundraising. This year, KCSA is being honored with two Gold Awards for:
- The Symphony Designers’ Showhouse Internship Program
- The Power of Volunteer Hours
Both projects highlight the profound impact of volunteerism and innovative community engagement.
Volunteer News: Greensboro Symphony Guild
Founded in 1964, the Greensboro Symphony Guild was established to promote and foster music, culture, and education by supporting and advocating for the Greensboro Symphony Society throughout the community. With guidance from University of North Carolina at Greensboro music faculty members, the Junior League of Greensboro was enlisted to help organize a community-based Symphony Guild made up of dedicated women committed to this mission. One of the Guild’s earliest and most impactful initiatives was the development and funding of in-school concerts performed by orchestra ensembles. The program proved so successful that by 1978 it expanded to include full orchestra concerts for students. Today, these performances reach more than 50,000 students each year. Over time, the Guild has continued to grow its educational outreach, creating programs that engage students from elementary through high school. Support now includes scholarships, awards, and special funding for opportunities that allow students to perform both locally and around the world. Throughout its history, the Greensboro Symphony Guild has hosted a wide variety of successful fundraisers and events to support the Symphony and its programs. These have included Symphony Balls, Presentation Balls, pre-concert dinners, home tours, a Golf Classic, a Blue Jean Ball, a Scavenger Hunt, and many other creative events. The Guild began with just 18 charter members and quickly grew to 120 members in its first year. Today, the Greensboro Symphony Guild proudly includes more than 300 members who often express that it is both a privilege and a pleasure to support the Greensboro Symphony. The Guild has received numerous awards over the years, including honors from the League of American Orchestras Volunteer Council. However, members consider their most prestigious recognition to be the President’s Volunteer Action Award for Outstanding Service, presented in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan himself. This award honored the Guild’s extraordinary efforts to expose thousands of children to classical music. Today, the medal is passed to the incoming Guild President each year at the May General Membership Meeting—a lasting symbol of the Guild’s legacy of service and dedication.
Volunteer News: Symphony Guild of Charlotte
The Symphony Guild of Charlotte continues to spend the year celebrating their 75th anniversary. They recently held a special event for Patron’s and Diamond Patrons event with beautiful holiday decorations and highlighting their 75th anniversary. They are thankful to have so many dedicated members.
Volunteer News: Kansas City Symphony League
The Kansas City Symphony League hosted its annual holiday luncheon at Kansas City Country Club on December 10th. The co-chairs were Julie McCann and Gina Penner and the tablescapes and the food were festive and beautiful. Symphony League members shopped at several different local pop-up retailers. The luncheon was full of special moments and recognition including welcoming three new members, honoring our first Honorary member, and recognizing Karen Mische for 25 years with the Symphony League. Our Women of Honor, members who have been with the Symphony League for 25 years or more were honored and recognized. Principal Flutist, Michael Gordon, provided us with beautiful music. A check was given to Linda Gill Taylor and Eva Toia from ball chairs Silvy Brookby and Jenny Erdman. Deanna Diebolt handed the gavel over to Mary Leonida, incoming president.
Volunteer News: Houston Symphony League
The Houston Symphony League’s annual Holiday Party took place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in the ornate Reading Room of the Julia Ideson Building. The venue, known for its Spanish Renaissance-style architecture and vintage charm, provided a sophisticated backdrop for the League's seasonal festivities. Members had the opportunity to complete their seasonal shopping through a curated selection of vendors. Adding to the ambiance, acclaimed jazz vocalist and League member Tianna Hall performed a selection of classic carols and melodies, providing a traditional holiday soundscape for the gathering.
Strategic Conversations
Darlene Clark, President-League Volunteer Council
The League's Volunteer Council held three interactive Strategic Conversations for volunteers from all over the country. Our first session was titled “Meeting Volunteers Where They Are” and was facilitated by Paula McReynolds. Topics discussed included the potential for cross-organizational learning and support, meeting volunteers where they are in their life journey, volunteer management systems, and coordination between symphony staff and their volunteer organizations. The second session focused on orchestra advocacy, with Heather Noonan, Vice President for Advocacy, and Najean Lee, Director of Government Affairs and Education Advocacy of the League of American Orchestras leading a discussion on key issues including NEA grants, music education, the tax reform bill, pernambuco bows, artists from abroad, and ticketing policy. The last session featured Debbie McKinney, Volunteer Council Sustainer, discussing nominating committee best practices. She included questions to ask a prospective Board member including: Why are you interested in committing your time and money to this organization? Tell us about your strengths (are you willing to share your talents)? She also stressed the importance of holding orientation sessions for new Board members so they feel well informed and ready to share program highlights/new initiatives.
Join the Volunteer Council
The Volunteer Council is now accepting applications from individuals interested in supporting volunteers at the national level. Ideal candidates have held a leadership role within their own auxiliary group and are eager to contribute in a broader capacity. The Volunteer Council supports and elevates volunteer engagement by leading annual Strategic Conversations based on topics identified by volunteers, facilitating the Volunteer constituency meetings at the League of American Orchestras’ National conference, and reviewing submitted projects to select recipients for the annual Gold Awards. Individuals interested in joining the Volunteer Council as a full member or as a provisional member working on a specific project are encouraged to contact Kent McNeil at jameskentmcneil@gmail.com for more information.
Our Mission
The League of American Orchestras’ Volunteer Council leads, advocates, and champions volunteer organizations in their efforts to support orchestras to advance the experience of orchestral music.
Leadership Committee
- Darlene Clark, President (Houston, TX)
- Kathy Leibrand, Immediate Past President (Kansas City, MO)
- Florence Mc Lean, Conference Chair-Elect (Baltimore, MD)
- Paula McReynolds, Conference Chair (Waco, TX)
- Maggie Stehman, President-Elect (Washington, D.C.)
Members
- Paula Abernethy (Annapolis, MD)
- Julie Brantley (Richmond, VA)
- Kent McNeil (St. Louis, MO)
- Kellie Sullivan (Kansas City, MO)
Ex-Officio Members
- Melanie Hausmann, Houston, TX | League Liaison
- Debbie McKinney, Nichols Hills, OK | Sustainer Liaison
- Elaine Cousins, Bloomington, IL | Sustainer Liaison-Elect
- Venise Stuart, Dallas, TX | Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers (AMSOV) Liaison
- Mary Lou Turner, Kansas City, MO | Sustainer Mentoring Program
- Simon Woods, League of American Orchestras | President & CEO
Credits: