J U N E & J U L Y, 2 0 1 5 WSL Notes WSL Executive Board 2014-2015 HIGHLIGHTS FROM WSL S 60TH BENEFIT BALL -A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION- President President Elect Linda Rowe Administrative Assistant Britt Sabota Advisor & Parliamentarian Joan LeSauvage Nominating Recording Secretary Sandy Baugh VP of Finance Tina Pollard Symphony Ball Chair Linda Rowe VP of Administration Barbara Powers VP of Education Jill Campbell VP of JSL Stacey Hiles VP-Elect of JSL Cici Shelton VPs of Membership Tina Pollard Norma Smith VP of Social Activities Suzanne Curtis ETSO Executive Director Nancy Wrenn FRIDAY MARCH 6 7:00 PM HARVEY HALL
Dear Ladies, Page 2 2014-2015 was a whirlwind of activities I hope you had the opportunity to share your time, talents, and energy to support the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and music education in our community. The connections you made will last a lifetime and the camaraderie will be unforgettable. Our accomplishments have been many. We supported the East Texas Symphony Orchestra with a beautiful and successful WSL Ball. We housed and fed ETSO musicians throughout the year. With grants from The Rogers and Lightner Sams Foundations, we supported the ETSO interactive school concerts for fourth and fifth graders. We supported the Liberty Hall Concerts Jazz Spectacular in November, Polar Express in December and Piano Festival in April. With the help of the Julietta Jarvis Foundation, we supported music education through multiple scholarships for elementary through college students even initiating a For the Love of Music scholarship for any aged beginner. We supported the East Texas Youth Orchestra with financial gifts from WSL and JSL fundraisers. Achieving all of this required the work of many volunteers, great leaders, and supportive members. My heartfelt thanks to our Executive Board, Full Board, Actives and Associates! I want to close by thanking: Richard Lee, ETSO Music Director and Conductor, for his continuing support and presence at our events; Kelly Michaels, Laura Waits and Laura Pierce for graciously opening their beautiful homes for our Full Board, General Membership and Joint Board Meetings; Kristen Seeber for facilitating our WSL/JSL Task Force; Barbara Powers for enhancing and expanding our WSL website; Lisa Harper for her wonderful handouts and PowerPoints which made us look so professional at the TASO convention; Britt Sabota for all her arrangements, agendas, logistics and support by keeping me organized and on task throughout the year; and for her unending support and words of wisdom. Outgoing WSL President Cheryl Rogers turned over the WSL leadership to incoming WSL President Linda Rowe at the May 14th Joint Board Meeting at the home of Laura Pierce. It has been such an honor to serve as your President this year. I leave you in the best of hands Linda Rowe. WSL s sixtieth birthday should be quite a blast! Some people come into our lives and quickly go, while others stay and leave footprints in our hearts Straight from the Heart, WSL President 2014-2015
Page 3 TASO NEWS WSL members, (front row l-r), Cheryl Rogers, and Mildred Witte (back row, l-r) Annette Findley, Joi Smith, Susan Bracken and Linda Rowe, attend TASO conference in San Antonio in April. MUSIC DIRECTOR LEE ENJOYS GAMES DAY GRAND PRIZE WITH FRIENDS To his great surprise and delight, ETSO Music Director Richard Lee was the winner of the Games Day 2015 Grand Prize drawing in January. Renowned chef and cookbook author Christine Gardner donated an autographed cookbook and DINNER FOR EIGHT to the WSL Games Day event. Recently, Richard and seven of his lucky friends were invited to observe as Christine, assisted by Chef Simon Webster from Sabor a' Pasion in Palestine, demonstrated preparation and cooking techniques for the FOUR-COURSE DINNER. Later, all those present enjoyed sharing the beautifully presented meal with multiple wines especially selected by Richard. Pictured are Chef Christine Gardner, the happy diners and some of the delicious dishes. It s with great pride that the Senior JSL Class was presented at the 2015 W o m e n s S y m p h o n y Ball. This class was a pure joy and worked hard volunteering for the Symphony. We had 40 Windsor Award Winners this year! Congratulations and Good Luck to the 49 JSL Senior Class. We pray you continue an appreciation for the Symphony and Volunteerism throughout your life. The incoming JSL Class of 2016 2017 is in the process of t u r n i n g i n a c c e p t a n c e forms. Photos of the Senior JSL Class of 2015 2016 will be t a k e n t h i s Summer. It s been my honor to be the JSL VP. Thank you for the opportunity to work with these amazing young men and women! The 2015 Junior Symphony League Senior Class Sincerely, Stacey Hiles, JSL VP Need a quick gift? Consider a donation to the WSL ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION in honor of or in memory of a friend or family member. For more information see page 22 of the WSL Handbook.
WSL ANNOUNCES 2014-2015 WSL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Music Merit Scholarship Winners First Place Amelia Burshe $1500 Amelia Burshe is a junior at The Boston Conservatory pursuing a bachelor s degree in Music in Voice Performance. Amelia is the daughter of Helena Burshe and Dr. Roger Burshe. She recently was awarded a master class with Anne Baltz, artistic director of Opera Works in Los Angeles, CA. She plans to gain a position in a Young Artists program in a major opera house. Her personal aspiration is to return to Tyler and perform with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. Second Place Sylvia D Eramo - $1000 Sylvia D Eramo is a senior at Purchase College Conservatory at the State University of New York, where she is a Music Performance Major with specialization in voice and opera. She is the daughter of Mary Jane D Eramo of Tyler, Texas and the late Dr. Mark D Eramo. Sylvia has volunteered with Say No to Drugs Campaign and participated in the Tyler Junior College ballet performances for school children. She has studied vocal and opera for eight years. Sylvia plans to pursue a Master s degree and gain employment with a Young Artists program with a major opera company. Alex Fleming Memorial Music Scholarship Winners ($500 each) Rebecca Crossman Rebecca Crossman is an 11 th grader at Chapel Hill High School. She is the daughter of Edee Crossman of Tyler, Texas. She plays both the flute and piccolo and is a member of the East Texas Youth Orchestra. She has made All-Region Band advancing to All-Area Band the past three years, and made the TMEA All-State Band this year. Rebecca is also a member of the National Honor Society. Sarah Feder Sarah Feder is a senior at Chapel Hill High School. Sarah is the daughter of Kathy and Greg Ferguson of Tyler, Texas. She is a member of the TMEA All-State Choir and a three-time TSSEC State Gold Medalist. She is also a four-time UIL District Gold Medalist and also received the Most Outstanding Female Musician Award. She will be attending the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall with a major in music education. Sarah is also an accomplished cheerleader at both Chapel Hill and Tyler Junior College. Jewel Rena e Kirkendoll Jewel Kirkendoll is an 11 th grader at Robert E. Lee High School. Jewel is the daughter of Jana and Kyle Johns of Tyler, Texas. She is a member of the East Texas Youth Orchestra as well as the Green Acres Baptist Church Celebration Orchestra. She plays both the guitar and violin as well as voice performance. She is a member of the TMEA All-Region Orchestra as well as the National Honor Society and the Junior Symphony League. Ken Knight Ken Knight is an 8 th grader at Bishop TK Gorman Middle School. He is the son of Lori and Scott Knight of Tyler, Texas. Ken is a cellist in the East Texas Youth Orchestra as well as the Dolce Vita String Quartet. He is also very active in Boy Scouts, soccer, cross country, lacrosse, track and golf. Mason Miller Mason Miller is a freshman at Grace Community School. He is the son of Kelly and Keith Miller of Tyler, Texas. He is a member of the East Texas Youth Orchestra and was the All Region Orchestra violin concertmaster as an 8 th grader. Mason is also very active at Grace Community Church. Travis Roberts Travis Roberts is a senior at Grace Community School. He is the son of Leslie and George Roberts of Tyler, Texas. Travis will graduate Magna Cum Laude from high school this year with a 4.0 GPA. He has earned the Director s Choice for Outstanding Band Member award for 10 th and 11 th grade. He also earned All-State honors for clarinet as well as the TMEA Texas Music Scholar 2013-2014. He was also a finalist for the Juanita Miller Concerto Competition. Travis is a member of the East Texas Youth Orchestra as 1 st Chair clarinet. He will be attending Southern Methodist University on scholarship in the fall to study clarinet performance and finance. Allison Smith Allison Smith is a homeschooled 10 th grader. Allison is the daughter of Shari and Ken Smith. She plays both the piano and violin as well as performs vocally. She is a member of the Kilgore College Youth Orchestra where she currently serves as the concertmaster. She is also a member of the Voices of Faith youth choir and ensemble. Allison took top honors at the 2014 UT Tyler Skills Festival and 2014 Achievement Auditions in Tyler. Bud to Bloom Music Scholarship Winners ($500 each) Hunter Clemmons Hunter Clemmons is a 6 th grader at Cumberland Academy School. He is the son of Angela and Brandon Clemmons. He is a beginning cellist and is eager to improve his skills. He is also active in lacrosse and running. Isabella Martinez Isabella Martinez is a 7 th grade student at Whitehouse Junior High School. She is the daughter of Isabel and Ismael Hernandez. She is a member of the Whitehouse Junior High Choir and Band. She wants to pursue voice lessons to strive to be the best musician I can be!
Page 5 Renew or become a new ETSO Subscriber for the 2015-2016 Season by calling COWAN BOX OFFICE 903-566-7424 Linda Rowe, Laura Waits and Cheryl Rogers attend the General Membership Meeting at Laura s home April 16th. SAVE THE DATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 Come Over the Rainbow for the Fall Style Show and Luncheon & General Membership Meeting 11:00am -1:00pm Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Photos taken at the March 19th General Membership Meeting at the Home of Kelly Michaels
Page 6 ETSO 2015/2016 Season Promises Variety The East Texas Symphony Orchestra is already preparing for the 2015/16 season, which opens in September. The upcoming five-concert subscription series promises lots of great music and a variety of programming: from a major choral work, to a night at the movies, to a performance by the in-demand trio Time for Three. You will not want to miss a note. Season tickets are on sale now, starting at $39 for the full series. You may also choose any three concerts and create your own series, starting at $27. Subscription Series concerts are performed at the UT Tyler Cowan Center. You may order subscriptions through the Cowan Center Box Office, 903-566-7424, or visit www.etso.org to learn more. Here is a look at what is ahead: September 26, 2015 Opening Night: Shell Dedication Richard Lee, Conductor; Lucille Chung, piano; Desmond Hoebig, cello The ETSO steps into a new era of music making with the dedication of the new orchestra shell at the UT Tyler Cowan Center. The evening includes three masterworks certain to showcase the new acoustics: Prokofiev s Piano Concerto No. 1, Schumann s Cello Concerto, and Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony. November 14, 2015 Charlie Chaplin s City Lights - Richard Lee, Conductor Experience the movies as never before as the ETSO presents Charlie Chaplin s classic silent film, City Lights, with the Orchestra playing Chaplin s score for the film live as the movie is playing. January 30, 2016 - Knockout Concert: Time for Three - Richard Lee, Conductor Time for Three, guest soloists Get ready for a special evening of music with the most in-demand trio of our day. Time for Three performs everything from Bach and Brahms to their take on contemporary favorites to their own on the spot improvisations. It is a concert not to be missed. March 19, 2016 - Musical Fireworks - Richard Lee, Conductor; Elissa Lee, violin; Efrain Sain, trombone Join us for an evening of great music by such composers as Mendelssohn, Bach, Berlioz and Stravinsky. Guest soloists include ETSO principal trombone Efrain Sain and violinist Elissa Lee (Richard Lee s sister), and we will feature members of the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble in a special side by side performance. April 30, 2016 - Raise Your Voices - Richard Lee, Conductor; Sooah Park, Soprano; Yoonsang Lee, Baritone; Patrick Pan, piano The season concludes with an evening of powerful music for chorus and orchestra. Included will be Beethoven s Choral Fantasy and Brahms profound and moving A German Requiem. Guests include Juanita Miller Competition Grand Prize Winner Patrick Pan and UT Tyler Faculty members Sooah Park and Yoonsang Lee.
Page 7 BALL CHAIR WRAPS UP 2O15 NIGHT OF CELEBRATION Elvis came back for the 60 th Annual Women s Symphony Ball - Heart Strings a Night of Celebration. The event was full of fun and a true celebration for all -- especially for our JSL Members and their families. The service they gave to our community is so appreciated. We had a wonderful sit down meal provided by Traditions, danced the night away to Emerald City Band. Our Conductor, Mr. Richard Lee serenaded us and the auction items, chance drawing and photo booths were a huge hit! I am so grateful for all of your support and the way we are able as a group to enrich the soul of our community with the gift of music!! Linda Rowe 2015 WSL Ball Chair WOMEN S SYMPHONY LEAGUE ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION The following individuals have made contributions to the WSL Endowment Foundation subsequent to the last newsletter printing. GENERAL ENDOWMENT DONATIONS Joan P. Curtis Candace Dunn Debra McCook Amy Patterson Barbara Caldwell Lynn Pratt Lenora Clyde Betty Smith Desha Danny Desha Judy Isaacson Laura Hyde Mr. and Mrs. William E. Lassalle Pat Pilgrim Joe Lessert Tisa Hibbs Laura Hyde Phyllis Weiss Amanda Ellis Linda Ellis Matthew Ellis Linda Ellis Renee Faulconer Amy Lively Annette Findley Nancy Wrenn Laverne Gollob Cathy Krafve Ellen Musselman Dr. Lisa Harper Laura Hyde Nancy Wrenn IN MEMORY OF IN HONOR OF Leanne Priest Tricia Schwarzbach Mary John Spence Claudia Long Laura Hyde Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Pilgrim Pat Pilgrim Joan Hertz Taylor Diana Taylor Smith Dr. Mitchell Willens Connie and Tom Seale Debra McCook Marjorie Palmer Pat Pilgrim Anne Martinez Dr. Lisa Harper Tisa Hibbs Joan LeSauvage Tina Pollard Joi Smith Nancy Wrenn Alexandria Trainer Shmeil Ouin Peggy Tyler Nancean Stover Pattie Young Nancean Stover ALL ENDOWMENT FUND donations are greatly appreciated and will assist WSL in fulfilling its important mission. Thank you,
Dates to Remember Women s Symphony League of Tyler P.O. Box 6823 Tyler, TX 75711 www.wsltyler.org Return Service Requested ATTENTION WSL MEMBERS Membership Renewals are still being accepted. Dues are now $70 for Active Membership and $65 for Associate. Questions concerning the status of your membership may be directed to Membership VP, Norma Smith at 903-245-1757 (c) or membership@wsltyler.org Contact the Placement Chair, Tammy Pollard at 903-520-9959 (c), or tammypollard@suddenlink.net NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION MANDATORY MEETING Tuesday, August 25 th at 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm At the home of Jamie Sadler 13125 S. Hill Creek Whitehouse, TX 75791 If you have any questions please contact Jamie Sadler New Member Liaison 903-574-3225 or jmsbbq@aol.com