GIVING THE GIFT OF MUSIC

Jean and John Gehrett

Long Cove residents Jean and John Gehrett have been loyal fans of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra since they first sat in the audience some 20 years ago. They have witnessed the orchestra evolve from a small group of local musicians with a passion for classical music, to a world class, professional orchestra that performs over 10 concerts a year.

“It’s been wonderful,” Jean Gehrett says, adding that the couple are overjoyed about what the orchestra has become.

“We think music director Mary Woodmansee Green is wonderful and all of the players are so talented,” Jean Gehrett says.

The Gehretts are so impressed with what the orchestra provides not only to Hilton Head Island but the entire Lowcountry that they’ve decided to make sure the organization continues to grow and succeed for many years to come - especially in light of the financial challenges orchestras around the country face today.

“We worry about (the orchestra’s future),” Jean Gehrett says. “That’s the reason we decided to put the orchestra in our trust.

“We’ve enjoyed it so much and we hope people can enjoy it forever.”