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

Gold Award of Excellence: Charleston Symphony Orchestra League

"Ladders to Leaders"

Gail Corvette, President

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League developed a multi-faceted strategy for engaging members to volunteer, energizing committees and creating a leadership pipeline. At this session, you'll hear what they planned and how it's working.

Gold Award of Excellence: Santa Rosa Symphony League

"Festival of Masks"

Julia Wilkinson, President

Who would have thought that an inexpensive $1 paper maché mask could yield up to $250 when painted by an accomplished artist? We had our doubts when we embarked on the project in August 2022. But the results were spectacular: The Santa Rosa Symphony League partnered with local artists to create a silent but high-energy auction that brought Symphony attendees together for a concert of music, colorful masks and profit.

Gold Award of Excellence: Houston Symphony League

"Growing Membership 2022-2023: Focus on What Works"

Mary Fusillo, President

Hear how we revitalized our membership, focused on recruiting a diverse member group in a large diverse city, while keeping our members engaged and renewing their membership moving forward.

Bruce: How did you get involved with the Houston Symphony? How long have you been involved?

Darlene: I’ve been a subscriber for around 20 years. Right after I retired, I noticed a small article in the Houston Symphony’s program that asked something along the lines of “How would you like to help the Symphony achieve their Education goals?” I ended up joining the Houston Symphony League, not knowing a soul. I quickly gravitated toward helping children learn about classical music via the Instrument Petting Zoo, Student Concerts and Family Concerts. I am a Past President of the Houston Symphony League (2016/17) and continue to support the Houston Symphony in their outreach to children from all of Houston’s varied communities.

Bruce: What is your favorite fundraiser?

Darlene: My husband and I joined the Houston Symphony’s Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction Committee many years ago. We enjoy searching for elusive wines and spirits for the Wine Dinner Auction and have made many wonderful friends over the years in this endeavor. During the pandemic, Auction Chair Bob Weiner, along with my husband and I co-chaired a weekly Zoom wine education group with Auction Committee members, Houston Symphony staff, and musicians that we dubbed Wine 101. It still survives as an occasional social event.

Bruce: Do you have a favorite piece of classical music?

Darlene: I couldn’t begin to answer that because I add favorites every year after hearing the Houston Symphony perform them.

Bruce: Do you play an instrument?

Darlene: I started on the flute in the sixth grade and picked up the piccolo the following year. I started piano lessons after I retired. Learning bass clef was ridiculously difficult after only reading treble clef my whole life!

Bruce: Do you have any hobbies? What do you do in your leisure time?

Darlene: I have played flute and piccolo in the Gulf Coast Concert Band (which is exactly like a high school band with shall I say more “seasoned” players) since 1983. We have performed at Jones Hall, the Battleship Texas, Miller Outdoor Theater, for the Special Olympics, and numerous retirement communities in the Houston area. I have probably played Stars and Stripes more than anyone outside of the United States Army Band. I also play in a woodwind quintet with friends from GCCB.

Bruce: Do you have a favorite sports team?

Darlene: I am not much of a sports fan and mostly follow golf, tennis and high-end horse racing on TV. My bucket list includes a trip to the Kentucky Derby!

James Kent McNeil, St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association

Kent has been a member of the St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association (SVA) for ten years and has served in various capacities including President and is currently the Chair of the Discovery Committee. This committee works with the orchestra staff and SVA leadership to recommend new and innovative activities and programs to enhance the SVA’s ability to conduct its mission while providing additional outlets for SVA members’ participation. During his term as President, he participated in various activities including the development of volunteer activities, created a Research and Analysis Data Team, launched a team to review the SVA bylaws, and worked with a former tech volunteer to implement a technology team resource for volunteers.

Kent is a retired banker and international banking consultant. He is a graduate of University of Virginia and Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Rutgers University. His banking experience includes various levels of responsibility from branch management and commercial lending to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing with responsibility for the training and marketing departments, retail merchandising, and seniors’ programs. As an international banking consultant, Kent traveled the world conducting training and developing programs.

In addition to the SVA, Kent is an active member of Grace United Methodist Church and the Landmarks Association of St. Louis. He enjoys playing bridge, cooking and reading.

Kent, welcome to the Volunteer Council. We are privileged to have you as a member and look forward to working with you.