OCTOBER’S LEAGUE NOTES

This month’s newsletter highlights some of the many ways League members support the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra through the giving of our time, our resources and our energy to support and promote the HHSO and its associated programs. In fact, that’s our mission! If you haven’t considered participating, here are some ways you can.

Our founding in 1996 as the League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, is focused on league members supporting the HHSO through participation in fundraising, special events, music education, and volunteer services to encourage community awareness and appreciation of the orchestra and its associated programs. We also have great fun, make lasting friendships and enjoy each other’s company!

Nancy Millette
President

HOST A MUSICIAN THIS SEASON

One of the important ways we support the HHSO and its amazing musicians is by opening up our homes to these amazing artists as they perform throughout the HHSO season. This year is no exception. 

It’s a Win, Win, Win!

FOR THE ORCHESTRA: Providing housing in private homes gives HHSO a competitive advantage over other orchestras in recruiting top musicians throughout the season.

FOR THE MUSICIANS: It means comfortable living arrangements at considerable cost savings and a unique opportunity to interact with audience members.

FOR THE HOST FAMILY: It’s a way to show appreciation and develop relationships with these musicians who travel long distances to share their wonderful talent with us.

I’ve had the joy of housing musicians for nearly 30 years. My home has often sounded like a rehearsal studio with harp, English horn, violin, cello, and, on occasion, French horn, trumpet, flute and percussion. I’ve learned so much about the instruments, the challenge of the music, the inner workings of the orchestra, and the commitment it takes to succeed as a performance musician. But most importantly, my musicians have become “family.” I watch their performances like a proud mother. We communicate regularly, well beyond the orchestra season, sharing experiences and values openly.

Besides being great musicians, they are delightful, well-educated and considerate people. I always look forward to the next visit and the next concert. So, what does it take to become a host? It’s simple: a private bedroom, bath, light breakfast and perhaps some snacks after rehearsal or the concert. The musicians have their own transportation and are responsible for meals. The length of stay may vary from 3 to 5 days depending on the rehearsal schedule. You can sign up for a single concert or multiple concerts by calling the HHSO office at (843) 842-2055.

Mary Noonan

GREAT VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers are at the heart of our organization. Our league plans activities, and we help provide volunteers for many Symphony events, including Symphony Under the Stars and the Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival. Many league members volunteer as ushers during the HHSO concert season and SoundWaves. We also host post-concert receptions, and we bring delicious sweets and treats to concerts throughout the season and to our Musicales.

Do you have a delicious recipe to make and share? No recipe? No problem…there are great bakeries you can choose from so that you can contribute treats to these events! We also need additional league members who are interested in helping set up our post-concert receptions and our Musicale events.

The Post Concert Receptions need you!!  Several generous folks have offered to help by bringing donations of three dozen goodies to one of the Monday night receptions, and others have offered to help set up and serve.  This is wonderful, but with six receptions planned, we are still short of our goal. 

We also need volunteers to help with cleaning up after the reception, which normally concludes around 10 pm. With enough help, we are done in about half an hour. If you feel moved to help that would be terrific.

Please contact Carol Gywnoff, Reception Chair, at 843 415 5361 for more information on how you can help support our post-concert receptions.

Are you interested in contributing treats or helping with kitchen-setup for our League Musicales, please contact Musicales Chair, Eileen Durkin at eileen.durkin54@gmail.com.

SWING FORE THE SYMPHONY