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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.
Summer Edition 2025
Kellie Sullivan, Volunteer Notes Editor | Sullivanaxid@aol.com
In This Issue
Highlights of the 2025 Conference
Thank You To Five Volunteer Council Members Who Have Completed Their Terms!
Sign Up Now For Strategic Conversations for Emerging Leaders
Join the Volunteer Council as a Provisional Member
2025-2026 League Volunteer Council
President's Message
Kathy Leibrand, President, Volunteer Council 2024-2025
This has been an exciting year as the Volunteer Council prepared for the League’s 80th National Conference hosted by the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera. I am pleased to share with you some of our accomplishments and highlights over the past year.
The Volunteer Council’s Annual Fund Drive was led by Past President, Laurie Skjerseth, raising $23,800 from the Council and Sustainers. The Annual Fund was supported by 100% of the League Council.
This year, twenty volunteers representing orchestras from around the country participated in our Strategic Conversations Zoom series for volunteer association presidents, past presidents, and emerging leaders on topics including Ladders to Leaders with Gail Corvette from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League; A Strategic Plan Journey with Linda Stevens, Kansas City Symphony League; Volunteer Leadership and National Trends in Volunteerism with the League’s David Styers; and Symphony Staff Relationships with Volunteers.
In addition, the Volunteer Council Sustainer Liaison and Liaison-Elect, Becky Odland and Debbie McKinney, provided activities to engage the Sustainers this year from Zoom gatherings to a reception for the many Sustainers attending the Salt Lake City Conference.
The Strategic Planning Committee led by Darlene Clark, President-Elect, has initiated the development of Volunteer Resources and Tools designed to assist volunteer organizations with fundraising, community engagement initiatives, membership recruitment, and a vast array of volunteer topics to be made available through our Volunteer Council communications.
The Volunteer Council is proud of these achievements and many more. The 2024-2025 Council includes 17 volunteer members from throughout the country, representing many orchestra group sizes. They exemplify the spirit of the Volunteer Council and support the League’s mission to strengthen orchestras.
Many thanks to the Volunteer Council members who have served their term and will be leaving the Council: Laurie Skjerseth, Past President (Venice, FL); Marena Gault, (Dallas, TX); Charlotte Lewis, (Metairie, LA); Irene Sohm, (Windsor, CA); and Becky Odland, Sustainer Liaison (Edina, MN)
This year, we welcome our newest member, Debra Kos from The Orchestra League of Oklahoma City. We also welcome Debbie McKinney as Sustainer Liaison from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
Darlene Clark from the Houston Symphony League will serve as the new 2025-2026 President of the Volunteer Council. Darlene’s leadership skills are invaluable, and I anticipate serving as Past President under her lead.
Please save the date for the League’s 81st National Conference held June 1-3, 2026, in Baltimore, MD. I hope to see you there!
It has been a pleasure to be a member of the League’s Volunteer Council and to serve as President this past year. Thanks to all of you for making 2024-2025 a sensational year.
Kathy Leibrand, Past President
Highlights of the 2025 Conference Salt Lake City!
By Maggie Stehman, Conference Chair 2024-2025
The sun shone brightly on this year’s very successful League of American Orchestra’s National Conference in beautiful Salt Lake City. The Volunteer Constituency had one of its highest turnouts ever – thank you all for being part of our success!
This year’s Conference began with an informal evening at the Eden Festival in the beautiful Tracy Aviary, a short bus ride from the Hyatt Regency. It was a lively event where new and long-time volunteer Conference attendees could enjoy each other’s company and connect. After an informal dinner, the crowd was treated to a concert featuring multi-instrumentalist and composer Clarise Assad.
The Volunteer Constituency Conference officially began on Wednesday morning, June 11 with welcome messages from Simon Woods, President and CEO of the League, Steve Brosvik, President and CEO of the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, and Melissa Robison, our liaison from the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera.
Our constituency meetings began with our reformatted Gold Awards of Excellence Presentations for the remainder of the morning. In the new interview format, each of our seven Gold and Classic Award winners participated in one of three interviews that highlighted the similarities among seemingly diverse projects.
The afternoon featured a Networking Workshop designed to highlight the benefits of volunteering and ways to develop practical networking skills. Later, at the Opening Session we were entertained by the Utah Youth Philharmonic and the Utah Youth Symphony followed by the presentation of the League’s Gold Baton award to American conductor Marin Alsop and the Keynote address by soprano Renee Fleming, who spoke about the powerful connection between music and health.
This year, volunteers were encouraged to attend Insight and Discovery Sessions that were open to all conference attendees on Thursday and Friday mornings. With a wider range of topics available, volunteers were able to broaden their learning opportunities and Conference experience. On Thursday afternoon, the Volunteer Council hosted a Critical Conversation, From the Ground Up – Reimagining and Redefining the Perfect Volunteer Group, that was open to all conference attendees. This session was followed by a Volunteer constituency session that continued the conversation with a discussion session entitled Burning Questions, that considered volunteer issues that emerged during the open session.
Thursday evening was a social networking time and began with our constituency dinners at three nearby local restaurants followed by a Concert at Maurice Abravanel Hall. The evening concert was led by Music Director Emeritus Thierry Fischer and featured Violinist Clara-Jumi Chang playing Korngold’s Violin Concerto. The evening concluded with the always popular Tune-Up Party on the Abravanel Hall Plaza.
Friday the Conference concluded with an interactive session with volunteers working together, using various art supplies, to create a structure that illustrated the many possible approaches that emerge when diverse people worked together.
We hope you will join us for next year’s League Conference in Baltimore, MD, June 1-3, 2026 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. You won’t want to miss it!
Photo: Charlotte Lewis, Volunteer Council member, poses a question during a Volunteer session. Photo credit: Douglas Carter Photography
Thank You To Our Five Volunteer Council Members Who Have Completed Their Terms!
By Darlene Clark
We on the Volunteer Council want to thank Laurie Skjerseth, Marena Gault, Charlotte Lewis, Becky Odland, and Irene Sohm for their leadership, hard work and friendship over the past few years. We will miss all of you!
A note from Laurie Skjerseth, Quad City Symphony Orchestra (Volunteers for Symphony):
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 7 years since I joined the Volunteer Council in 2018. The years have passed by quickly even as we experienced the pandemic, hurricanes, hailstorms, illness, births and deaths.
What a joy it was to celebrate Volunteer Council’s 60th Anniversary at the League’s 2024 Conference in Houston, Texas.
It was a pleasure to serve with the talented members of the Volunteer Council and meet so many volunteers from around the country. I have enjoyed getting to know the Volunteer Council members these past years and will continue to keep in touch. I will now become a Sustainer and will hope to see you at future League Conferences.
Photo at left: Laurie and Nathan Skjerseth
Marena Gault is a Past President of the Association of Major Symphony Volunteers (AMSOV) and served as our liaison with AMSOV prior to joining the Volunteer Council as a member. In addition to serving on many of our committees, she shared her unique talent for networking, and hosted very memorable and successful Networking sessions in our Pittsburgh and Houston conferences, and co-hosted a conference-wide session in our Salt Lake City conference. She will be truly missed! Marena shared, “I have enjoyed being on the Volunteer Council for last six years because of the wonderful friendships I have made. Everyone is connected by shared experiences, and we collectively connect and collaborate to further orchestral music. I love the camaraderie among all orchestra groups. I will still be active in the League as a Founding Member of the League Council, and I am so excited for this new chapter.”
Photo at right: Marena and Roger Gault
Charlotte Lewis served six years on the Volunteer Council, and held the positions of Project Selection Chairman, Printed References Chairman, and was our chief technology guru for all presentations at the League’s Conferences. Charlotte is vice-president of the Board of Trustees of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and a past president of LPO Volunteers. She will serve as vice-president for administration on this year’s LPO Volunteers board. She is also a volunteer at the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in New Orleans, LA.
A Note From Irene Sohm:
Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most dynamic and talented women in the nation! I've served in many capacities, including secretary, project selection chair, nominating and placement chair, Volunteer Notes editor, among others. I've always felt the support of my fellow Council members, and especially Melanie, who has the answer to everything. My future plans include continuing to support my Santa Rosa Symphony on the Association Board and the Symphony League. I'll also keep singing and dancing, and plan to travel a lot, sometimes alone, and sometimes with my grandchildren. I hope I'll see you all again in Baltimore.
Photo: Irene with her granddaughter Freya and grandson Olin
A Note From Becky Odland:
I have just completed a two-year term on the Volunteer Council as Sustainer Liaison-elect, followed by Sustainer Liaison. I worked with Camille Williams in 2023-24 on Sustainer engagement, culminating in the Volunteer Council’s 60th Anniversary Celebration at the 2024 League Conference in Houston. Over the year, our 60th Anniversary Committee (Heather Moore, Helen Shaffer, Laurie Skjerseth, Melanie Hausmann-League Liaison, Camille Williams and myself) reached out to approximately 150 Sustainers. Over $50,000 was raised from Sustainers and Volunteer Council members as a gift to the League.
This past year, 2024-2025, Debbie McKinney, Sustainer Liaison-elect, and I have continued with Sustainer engagement and communication through two newsletters, several Zoom calls, and holiday/Valentine e-cards. We also hosted a lunch for ten Sustainers at the League’s Conference in Salt Lake City. It has been a pleasure to reconnect with current Volunteer Council members and making new friendships with this dedicated team.
Looking ahead, I plan to spend much time with my grandkids and to continue supporting Friends of the Minnesota Orchestra.
Photo: Becky and Mark Odland with their grandchildren
Welcome New Member: Debra Kos
The Volunteer Council is excited to welcome new member Debra Kos. Since moving to Oklahoma City in 2005, Debra has been a devoted supporter of the arts, especially the OKC Philharmonic. She shared it all began with a single concert. “My husband and I attended a performance shortly after we arrived in the city,” she recalls. “I was so impressed by the caliber of the orchestra and the professionalism of the organization.” That inspiring evening led to an invitation to join the Philharmonic’s Associate Board — an offer she gladly accepted. From that point forward, Debra has been deeply involved in supporting the orchestra’s mission.
Her dedication to the arts extends well beyond the concert hall. She currently serves on the Board of Allied Arts, a local organization committed to fundraising and advocacy for the arts, as well as with Southern Plains Productions, a theater company focused on bringing dynamic performances to the region.
Though she is now a full-time community volunteer, her professional background includes a successful career in public relations. Before having children, she served as PR Director at an advertising agency, where she honed skills that she now uses in her volunteer work.
Outside of her commitments to the arts and volunteerism, she enjoys a wide range of activities — from supporting her children and traveling, to reading, hiking, cooking, knitting, playing mahjong, and even rugby. Her energy and passion make her a valued member of every organization she touches, and an inspiring example of community spirit in action.
Calling All Volunteer Leagues
The Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras invites ALL Volunteer Leagues/Guilds to submit an entry for the Gold Award of Excellence or a Classic Award. The application deadline is September 5.
Projects can qualify under multiple categories:
- Fundraising is the most popular and does come with the requirement of including a high rate of income to expense (example – 60% income to 40% expense).
- Communications and Technology. How have you incorporated automation, social media, and online applications into supporting your projects?
- Community Involvement and Audience Development – how did your project support your Orchestra’s goals?
- Education – Did your League/Guild work with your Orchestra within the local schools, or help with any School of Music or after School events and achieve a level of recognition for your Orchestra?
- Membership – Have you started a forward thinking effort to increase membership in your organization and included Leadership and Organizational Structure?
- Service – Do you have an organized or multi-year effort that supports your Orchestras staff or musicians; improve their work efforts; and ensure successful musical performances?
- Flexibility and Adaptability – Did you have an event that caused your volunteer work efforts to adapt to a “new normal,” even if for a short period?
To learn more and to submit your application, click here. f your project is approved for one of the Awards, your organization will be honored at the 2026 League of American Orchestras Conference being held in Baltimore, MD June 1-3, 2026.
Sign Up Now For Strategic Conversations For Emerging Volunteer Leaders
By Darlene Clark, Volunteer Council President, 2025-26
Are you a volunteer organization President, President-Elect or Emerging Leader? If so, we would love for you to join us for Strategic Conversations, a series of Zoom meetings about issues relevant to all volunteer organizations.
This year’s series will include the topics of Nominating Committee Best Practices, Orchestra Advocacy, and Volunteer Resources and Tools. The dates for this year’s Strategic Conversations are October 15, 22 and 29.
There is no cost to participate, but registration by October 1 is required. For more information, contact mhausmann@americanorchestras.org.
Join the Volunteer Council as a Provisional Member!
The Volunteer Council is excited to announce an opportunity for individuals to get involved and support our ongoing work by serving as provisional members.
Provisional members will collaborate with current Council members on specific projects for the duration of those projects. This is a great way to gain insight into the important role the Volunteer Council plays in supporting orchestras — and especially volunteers — across the country.
Projects may include:
- Developing educational sessions for volunteers throughout the year
- Planning sessions for the annual League Conference
- Participating in strategic planning initiatives
If you're passionate about supporting orchestras and volunteer engagement, we’d love to hear from you.
To express interest or learn more, please contact Kent McNeil at Jameskentmcneil@gmail.com.
2025-2026 League Volunteer Council
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)
- Debra Kos (Oklahoma City, OK)
- 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: