Volunteer Notes A PUBLICATION OF THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN ORCHESTRAS VOLUNTEER COUNCIL

Orchestras with Multiple Volunteer Groups

While most orchestras have a single volunteer organization, a few across the U.S. stand out for their multiple groups, each with unique traditions and fundraising efforts. The Kansas City Symphony has three volunteer auxiliaries—the League, Guild, and Alliance—each hosting signature events like the Symphony Ball, Cabaret Concert, and Designers’ Showhouse. The Dallas Symphony also has three: the League, Guild, and Young Professionals, producing everything from elegant debutante balls to after-concert parties. The Florida Orchestra’s auxiliaries—North Suncoast Associates, St. Petersburg Guild, and Tampa Friends—are geographically based and focus on education and community programs. The LA Phil Affiliates include ten committees organized by region or interest, emphasizing service and education rather than fundraising. And the San Francisco Symphony’s six leagues, mostly regional, engage audiences through education and cultural events such as Deck the Hall and Día de los Muertos. Together, these orchestras show how multiple volunteer organizations can expand community reach, deepen engagement, and strengthen support for their orchestras.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Volunteer Association Achieves Milestone Anniversary

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Volunteer Association (SVA) celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century of service that began in 1925 when four women founded the original “Women’s Committee.” What started with 165 members has evolved into a 350-member organization integral to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO), supporting its mission through philanthropy, education, and membership initiatives. During Powell Hall’s recent $145 million renovation, SVA volunteers played a vital role in welcoming and assisting patrons at alternate venues and hosting shuttle buses to ensure a seamless concert experience. With the grand reopening of Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, the SVA continues to provide volunteer support at concerts, educational programs like the award-winning Picture the Music, and countless other activities. Known for its deep collaboration with SLSO staff and administration, the SVA contributes 10,000–13,000 volunteer hours annually, embodying a century-long legacy of dedication, community, and passion for orchestral music.

Volunteer Association News

We want to hear about the fun and exciting events your organization has been involved in recently! Whether you’ve organized a book club, celebrated a special milestone with a banquet or simply come together for a great dinner, we’d love to know about it. Share your story with us, and we’ll feature it in the next section of the Volunteer Notes. Please send us a picture and a brief description of your event to Kellie Sullivan at Sullivanaxid@aol.com. We can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

Here are some recent news and events from volunteer associations across the country:

The Colorado Symphony Guild traces its origins to 1935, when Mrs. George C. Cranmer gathered six friends to form an organization supporting the Denver Symphony Orchestra through fundraising and music appreciation. From its early success raising $6,000, the Guild grew to more than 1,000 members by 1965, establishing music education groups and community programs. When the Denver Symphony faced financial collapse in 1988, the Guild’s steadfast support helped sustain the musicians who went on to form the Colorado Symphony. Over the decades, the Guild has championed beloved traditions like Red Rocks concerts, Tiny Tots, and the Symphony Debutante Balls, while creative fundraisers such as “Classics on Ice” and the long-running Symphony Shop continue to bolster its mission. Now more than 100 members strong, the Guild remains a vital partner in advancing symphonic music, education, and community engagement across Colorado.