Annual Report of the League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, 2015-2016

Volunteers: League members again had a record year with over 2,000 hours of volunteer effort and set a new record for number of events hosted. These included the fall Kitchen Tour, nine Concert Receptions, six Musicales, the Youth Concerto Competition, Hilton Head International Piano Competition, Concours d’ Elegance, Spring Fashion Show, Symphony Under the Stars, Spring Fling and for the first time the reception after the Beaufort Youth Orchestra performance. That was a total of twenty-three times that League members stepped forward to assist with staffing events during a nine month period.

Fund Raising: The League was again proud to be named as a Season Sponsor of the Orchestra in recognition of our financial support. This year all of the League’s fund raising events were sold out and several had waiting lists. We are sorry that not all of our members were able to secure tickets to the events of their choice. At the final symphony concerts of the season the League president presented a check to the Orchestra CEO, Mary Briggs, in the amount of $65,300.00. This amount did not include the $1,000.00 that was presented to the Beaufort Youth Orchestra. The total given to support youth programs this year was $8,300.00 and included the grant from Driving Young America.

Membership: Total League membership for the 2015-1016 season was 416, with 54 of these being new members.

Social Connections: One of the missions of the League was to promote fellowship among those who love and support music in the Lowcountry. The post-concert receptions sponsored by the League were one of the ways that encouraged these social interactions between members, and musicians. The Spring Fling, held in May at Indigo Run, was the final social event for League members. At this event the annual meeting was held and officers were installed. This year Barbara Holmes and Char Long were welcomed as new Board members. Susan Parrish was recognized for all her years of service as she retired from the Board. Carol Gyllenhoff was named as Volunteer of the Year for 2015-2016.

Summary: The accomplishments that were achieved this year were due to the tremendous support from members, the League Board, the orchestra staff and the HHSO Board of Directors. Our thanks goes out to each of these groups.

Respectfully submitted,

Stan Cooke, League President 2015-2016