Volunteering is the heart and soul of the Houston Symphony League.
Our mission is:
To collaboratively support the Houston Symphony’s audience development, education, and fundraising activities with engaged volunteers.
There are many ways League members can volunteer to support our mission. This Handbook focuses on those activities that directly serve the Houston Symphony. If you are interested in volunteering for one or more of these opportunities, the names of the event chairs and contact information as well as how to sign up are at the bottom.
Volunteer Opportunities
Student Concerts
Student Concerts are a favorite among our volunteers and are the Symphony’s largest Education and Community Engagement events, serving almost 60,000 students each year. Upper elementary and middle-school children from across the Greater Houston area are bused to Jones Hall, where they are treated to concerts specifically created for them. The goal of the concerts is to inspire the children to learn to play an instrument or to continue playing their instrument. It is truly a joy to help them enter and exit Jones Hall and watch them experience the joys of symphonic music.
Volunteers greet students as their buses arrive, assist them in finding their entrance doors into Jones Hall, and help them return to their buses after the concerts. There are twelve days of Student Concerts each season, with two concerts per day. We serve an average of 5,000 students each concert day. As a bonus, volunteers are encouraged to sit in and enjoy one of the two concerts.
Time Commitment: Volunteers arrive by 8:30 am and leave between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm after all students have left Jones Hall. All Student Concerts are on weekdays, usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Cancellations: Persons who commit to volunteering for a Student Concert are expected to be present on those days. However, it is understood that circumstances may arise that prevent you from being present. In those cases, we ask that you contact the event chair as soon as possible. This allows time to find a replacement or to reorganize the schedule.
What to Wear: Volunteers are encouraged to wear dark pants and white tops. Comfortable shoes are a must! Name tags and Houston Symphony aprons are provided upon arrival.
Family Concerts
Family Concerts are special subscription concerts for families with young children. Each concert has a special theme, e.g., Holly Jolly Holidays, Get Up and Dance. Volunteers greet families as they enter Jones Hall, provide crafts related to the concert theme, and staff the ever-popular Instrument Petting Zoo, where children can hold and make sounds on various instruments. Depending upon the concert theme, additional activities may be added for the children. As a bonus, volunteers are encouraged to sit in and enjoy one of the two concerts.
Time Commitment: Volunteers arrive by 8:30 am and leave by 1:00 pm after the activities conclude. All Family Concerts are on Saturdays.
Cancellations: Persons who commit to volunteering for a Family Concert are expected to be present on those days. However, it is understood that circumstances may arise that prevent you from being present. In those cases, we ask that you contact the event chair as soon as possible. This allows time to find a replacement or to reorganize the schedule.
What to Wear: Volunteers are encouraged to wear dark pants and white tops. Comfortable shoes are a must! Name tags and Houston Symphony aprons are provided upon arrival.
Instrument Petting Zoo (IPZ)
Volunteers help children learn to hold and produce sound on various orchestral instruments, including strings, percussion, winds, and brass. The IPZ is available at all Family Concerts and select community events, e.g., Theater District Open House. You do not need to know how to play any instrument. You will be shown how to demonstrate this to young patrons prior to the concerts.
Crafts
The Craft Team prepares crafts for Family Concerts related to the concert theme. Crafts have included wands, masks, and many other such items. The Craft Team also prepares box violins every fall for the Symphony’s DeLUXE K!DS program. Members can sign up for Craft Preparation which is an evening of good food and conversation as we prepare craft materials and/or Family Concert Days to assist children with making their crafts on the morning of the Family Concerts. You don’t need to be an expert crafter to participate in either activity, and you can choose to do one or both!
In-Hall Concierge
Before select concerts, League members provide Concierge service to patrons. Such service includes welcoming new Symphony ticket subscribers, providing information about future concerts and subscription packages, answering questions about navigating Jones Hall, assisting the Symphony’s marketing or development staff with distributing materials, answering questions about the League, and more. New League Members receive priority in the selection of concert dates. As a thank you, volunteers are welcome to sit in and enjoy the concert. A list of all concerts needing volunteers for Concierge Service can be found in the Members Only section under Documents.
Time Commitment: Volunteers should plan to arrive 90 minutes before the concert. The doors open an hour before concerts. Volunteers should plan to stay for 15-20 minutes after the concert, to answer any questions from patrons.
Cancellations: Persons who commit to volunteering to staff the Concierge table are expected to be present on those days. However, it is understood that circumstances may arise that prevent you from being present. In those cases, we ask that you contact the event chair as soon as possible. This allows time to find a replacement or to reorganize the schedule.
What to Wear: Volunteers are encouraged to wear concert attire. Name tags are provided upon arrival.
Musician and Staff Appreciation Breakfast and Lunch
The League shows its appreciation for the Houston Symphony musicians and staff with a breakfast and luncheon at Jones Hall during the season. Volunteers can supply and serve food and/or contribute money to defray the costs of these events. These events are a great way to meet and interact with the Symphony musicians and staff and are a fun time for all. The breakfast is usually held in the fall and the lunch in the spring.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering with the Houston Symphony offers meaningful personal and community benefits.
Impact on the Symphony and Community
- Play an important role in supporting the Houston Symphony’s mission.
- Help nearly 60,000 children each year enjoy memorable experiences learning about music and orchestral instruments.
- Guide children as they explore how to make sounds on a variety of instruments.
- Welcome guests at Symphony performances, answer questions, and help create a positive experience.
Enjoyment and Connection
- Attend performances and enjoy hearing the Houston Symphony.
- Build friendships with fellow League members who share your passion for the Symphony.
- Get to know the musicians and staff who bring each performance to life.
Personal Well-Being
Volunteering can also support your physical and mental health. Research shows that volunteering may reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall cognitive and emotional well-being.
How to Sign Up to Volunteer
Below are the names of the event chairs for each volunteer opportunity as well as their contact information. Please feel free to contact them for more information on how you can help.
Student Concerts
Sign up by clicking
this SignUpGenius link
or contact Deb Happ at dahapp37@gmail.com
Family Concerts
Sign up by clicking
this SignUpGenius link
or contact Darlene Clark at edwincf@swbell.net
Instrument Petting Zoo
Contact Mary Roberts at mary.laneva.roberts@gmail.com
Crafts
Contact Ann Tornyos at anntnola@gmail.com
or Kristin Turnak at kgturnak@outlook.com
In-Hall Concierge
Contact Erika Westberry at professional.landman@yahoo.com
Musician and Staff Appreciation Breakfast and Lunch
Contact Bob Chanon at robert.chanon@gmail.com
or Patty McFall at mcfallpatty@gmail.com
Volunteer Handbook
/in Volunteer/by Deborah HappVolunteering is the heart and soul of the Houston Symphony League.
Our mission is:
To collaboratively support the Houston Symphony’s audience development, education, and fundraising activities with engaged volunteers.
There are many ways League members can volunteer to support our mission. This Handbook focuses on those activities that directly serve the Houston Symphony. If you are interested in volunteering for one or more of these opportunities, the names of the event chairs and contact information as well as how to sign up are at the bottom.
Volunteer Opportunities
Student Concerts
Student Concerts are a favorite among our volunteers and are the Symphony’s largest Education and Community Engagement events, serving almost 60,000 students each year. Upper elementary and middle-school children from across the Greater Houston area are bused to Jones Hall, where they are treated to concerts specifically created for them. The goal of the concerts is to inspire the children to learn to play an instrument or to continue playing their instrument. It is truly a joy to help them enter and exit Jones Hall and watch them experience the joys of symphonic music.
Volunteers greet students as their buses arrive, assist them in finding their entrance doors into Jones Hall, and help them return to their buses after the concerts. There are twelve days of Student Concerts each season, with two concerts per day. We serve an average of 5,000 students each concert day. As a bonus, volunteers are encouraged to sit in and enjoy one of the two concerts.
Time Commitment: Volunteers arrive by 8:30 am and leave between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm after all students have left Jones Hall. All Student Concerts are on weekdays, usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Cancellations: Persons who commit to volunteering for a Student Concert are expected to be present on those days. However, it is understood that circumstances may arise that prevent you from being present. In those cases, we ask that you contact the event chair as soon as possible. This allows time to find a replacement or to reorganize the schedule.
What to Wear: Volunteers are encouraged to wear dark pants and white tops. Comfortable shoes are a must! Name tags and Houston Symphony aprons are provided upon arrival.
Family Concerts
Family Concerts are special subscription concerts for families with young children. Each concert has a special theme, e.g., Holly Jolly Holidays, Get Up and Dance. Volunteers greet families as they enter Jones Hall, provide crafts related to the concert theme, and staff the ever-popular Instrument Petting Zoo, where children can hold and make sounds on various instruments. Depending upon the concert theme, additional activities may be added for the children. As a bonus, volunteers are encouraged to sit in and enjoy one of the two concerts.
Time Commitment: Volunteers arrive by 8:30 am and leave by 1:00 pm after the activities conclude. All Family Concerts are on Saturdays.
Cancellations: Persons who commit to volunteering for a Family Concert are expected to be present on those days. However, it is understood that circumstances may arise that prevent you from being present. In those cases, we ask that you contact the event chair as soon as possible. This allows time to find a replacement or to reorganize the schedule.
What to Wear: Volunteers are encouraged to wear dark pants and white tops. Comfortable shoes are a must! Name tags and Houston Symphony aprons are provided upon arrival.
Instrument Petting Zoo (IPZ)
Volunteers help children learn to hold and produce sound on various orchestral instruments, including strings, percussion, winds, and brass. The IPZ is available at all Family Concerts and select community events, e.g., Theater District Open House. You do not need to know how to play any instrument. You will be shown how to demonstrate this to young patrons prior to the concerts.
Crafts
The Craft Team prepares crafts for Family Concerts related to the concert theme. Crafts have included wands, masks, and many other such items. The Craft Team also prepares box violins every fall for the Symphony’s DeLUXE K!DS program. Members can sign up for Craft Preparation which is an evening of good food and conversation as we prepare craft materials and/or Family Concert Days to assist children with making their crafts on the morning of the Family Concerts. You don’t need to be an expert crafter to participate in either activity, and you can choose to do one or both!
In-Hall Concierge
Before select concerts, League members provide Concierge service to patrons. Such service includes welcoming new Symphony ticket subscribers, providing information about future concerts and subscription packages, answering questions about navigating Jones Hall, assisting the Symphony’s marketing or development staff with distributing materials, answering questions about the League, and more. New League Members receive priority in the selection of concert dates. As a thank you, volunteers are welcome to sit in and enjoy the concert. A list of all concerts needing volunteers for Concierge Service can be found in the Members Only section under Documents.
Time Commitment: Volunteers should plan to arrive 90 minutes before the concert. The doors open an hour before concerts. Volunteers should plan to stay for 15-20 minutes after the concert, to answer any questions from patrons.
Cancellations: Persons who commit to volunteering to staff the Concierge table are expected to be present on those days. However, it is understood that circumstances may arise that prevent you from being present. In those cases, we ask that you contact the event chair as soon as possible. This allows time to find a replacement or to reorganize the schedule.
What to Wear: Volunteers are encouraged to wear concert attire. Name tags are provided upon arrival.
Musician and Staff Appreciation Breakfast and Lunch
The League shows its appreciation for the Houston Symphony musicians and staff with a breakfast and luncheon at Jones Hall during the season. Volunteers can supply and serve food and/or contribute money to defray the costs of these events. These events are a great way to meet and interact with the Symphony musicians and staff and are a fun time for all. The breakfast is usually held in the fall and the lunch in the spring.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering with the Houston Symphony offers meaningful personal and community benefits.
Impact on the Symphony and Community
Enjoyment and Connection
Personal Well-Being
Volunteering can also support your physical and mental health. Research shows that volunteering may reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall cognitive and emotional well-being.
How to Sign Up to Volunteer
Below are the names of the event chairs for each volunteer opportunity as well as their contact information. Please feel free to contact them for more information on how you can help.
Student Concerts
Sign up by clicking
this SignUpGenius link
or contact Deb Happ at dahapp37@gmail.com
Family Concerts
Sign up by clicking
this SignUpGenius link
or contact Darlene Clark at edwincf@swbell.net
Instrument Petting Zoo
Contact Mary Roberts at mary.laneva.roberts@gmail.com
Crafts
Contact Ann Tornyos at anntnola@gmail.com
or Kristin Turnak at kgturnak@outlook.com
In-Hall Concierge
Contact Erika Westberry at professional.landman@yahoo.com
Musician and Staff Appreciation Breakfast and Lunch
Contact Bob Chanon at robert.chanon@gmail.com
or Patty McFall at mcfallpatty@gmail.com
The Houston Symphony League is Honored to Receive Two National Awards!
/in Award/by Leslie NossamanThe Houston Symphony League won two Gold Awards of Excellence
The project “Driving Impact Through Sponsorships” was led by Heidi Rockecharlie who was the League President. The goals of the project were to reduce League expenses for six key events, increase the League’s annual contribution to the Houston Symphony, and increase awareness of the Houston Symphony and the Houston Symphony League in the Houston business community. Cash sponsorships amounted to $15,000 – $5,000 each for three of the events. In-kind donations from sponsoring businesses for two additional events generated $26,800 for a total of $41,800 in sponsorship support.
The project “Driving Revenue Through Membership Dues” was led by Heidi Rockecharlie and Leslie Nossaman who was League Co-Membership Chair and President-Elect. In our 89-year history, the League has never had benefits related to different levels of membership dues. Three changes were made to encourage members to renew or join at a higher level. First, benefits were added to the higher levels of $250 and above while maintaining our base membership level of $100 to remain competitive with other major arts organizations. Second, a $2000 level was added to a top level to “stretch” the dues up a major level to see if we could get more higher-level dues especially at the $1000 level. Third, the membership levels were renamed to sound more fun and attractive with a musical theme. This resulted in an increase in higher level dues from 30 to 50 higher levels and an increase in funds of $14,250. So, for minimal upfront effort we were able to increase our dues not only for this project year but in a way that would translate into future years’ growth from membership dues. For example, the 2025-2026 season had 64 higher level dues with $14,000 additional revenue over the previous year.
These awards are presented at the LAO Conference each year which is held across the nation. This year the LAO Conference took place in Baltimore, Maryland June 1-3, 2026. Leslie Nossaman, Immediate Past President at the time, presented both projects and accepted the awards on behalf of the League. Gary Ginstling, Executive Director and CEO of the Houston Symphony and Darlene Clark, Immediate Past President of the LAO Volunteer Council and HSL LAO Representative, were also in attendance at the awards ceremony.
Conversation with an ICON
/in Event/by Brad CavanaughThe Houston Symphony League hosted its annual Conversation with an Icon Luncheon on April 29, 2026, at the Omni Hotel, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and music enthusiasts for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the power of the arts. The event was co-chaired by Blanca Jolly and Saula Valente.
Centered around the theme The Impact of Music, the luncheon featured a captivating conversation between the 2026 Icon, Gina Gaston, and moderator Linda Lorelle. Gina has created 12 specials on the Houston Symphony over a 13-year partnership with the Symphony and so many more support efforts! Gina highlighted the Houston Symphony’s far-reaching Education and Community Engagement initiatives, which continue to transform lives across Greater Houston through music and arts education.
A meaningful addition to this year’s event was the Children’s Music Book Drive led by the Houston Symphony League and the Young Associates Council. Donations will benefit the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Trailblazer Committee ROPES Program, and the Houston Symphony, all of which had representatives to receive ceremonial books at the event.
Custom music-themed art pieces partially donated by Sneha Merchant were given to Gina Gaston, Kim Nordt-Jackson – the producer for KTRK, and Linda Lorelle as a thank you. The phrase Music Inspires, Teaches, Heals which is from the TV Segment Playing it Forward that Kim Nordt-Jackson created, was included on the art. Kim Nordt-Jackson said she was incredibly honored. KTRK created a custom video just for the Icon event and the mp4 file can be downloaded here.
The table settings included floral arrangements in soft lavender tones, which evoked a spring garden captured within a glass globe, like a scene framed in a window. Completing the table setting, a delicate cookie, shaped as a lavender dress similar to what was shown by the Carolina Herrera fashions, rested inside a box, as though tucked within a wardrobe. The elegant and fresh spring atmosphere perfectly echoed the spirit of the 2026 Spring collection by Carolina Herrera on the runway.
2026 Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Year – Ann Kennedy Tornyos
/in Award/by Brad CavanaughHer first exposure to the Houston Symphony League was the B# Brunch series. In 2014, Ann became Corresponding Secretary for the League and in 2015 served as Chair of the Crafts Committee, which provided educational activities for the Family Concerts and the holiday Magical Musical Morning.
In 2017, she was honored to receive the Ardyce Tostengard Crystal Cello Award along with her Craft Committee co-chair, Kristin Turnak. In 2022, as a member of the Executive Committee, Ann served on the By-Laws Committee that updated the League’s By-laws. She served as Parliamentarian in 2022-23 and Recording Secretary in 2023-24 while also being jointly responsible for the crafts for the Family Concerts.
Ann contributed to the Ima Hogg Competitions with food and funds. She participated in the funding of the Steinway grand piano for the Symphony and supported the Musician’s and Staff Luncheons, and she is a member of the Symphony’s Legacy Society. She regularly works the Family Concerts and is always positioned at the popular Crafts table. She has also been an avid supporter of the League’s project to support a Symphony orchestra member.
Ann has served the HSL with courage, purpose, and heart, and through her HSL work, is helping to shape the next generation of perhaps lifelong artists and certainly lifelong audiences.
Where Fashion Meets Philanthropy: 2025 Conversations with an ICON
/in Event, News/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThe Houston Symphony League proudly hosted its 5th Annual Conversations with an ICON Luncheon on Wednesday, March 26, at the Houston Country Club. This year’s event, honored the renowned Saks Fifth Avenue, a valued partner and long-time supporter of the Houston Symphony League, reminiscent of the wildly successful annual Maestro Luncheon & Fashion Show of the 90’s.
The event featured Heidi Turney, Vice President and General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, Houston. Guests enjoyed an engaging conversation between Ms. Turney and acclaimed journalist Shelby Hodge, who was also honored as the League’s Icon in 2023. The conversation was followed by an impressive Spring fashion show, orchestrated by expert stylist, Jeanne Ruberti for Saks Fifth Avenue, which beautifully showcased the elegance and creativity that both institutions are known for.
Co-chairs and long-time supporters of the Houston Symphony, Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani, delivered a heartfelt tribute to community leadership, creativity, and volunteerism as they recognized three exemplary Houstonians:
League President Heidi Rockecharlie recognized the extraordinary efforts of the League’s many volunteers, and shared highlights of their remarkable accomplishments this year, including record membership growth, the implementation of a cost-cutting event sponsorship program, enriching the Icon fundraising concept, and ongoing support for the Houston Symphony’s education and outreach initiatives, which are projected to reach more than 350,000 individuals this season—over 130,000 of whom are children. She also recognized Honorary Committee Chair, Lesha Elsenbrook for her long-standing dedication to the League.
Proceeds from the luncheon directly benefit the Houston Symphony’s industry-leading Education and Community Engagement programs, including in-school residencies, the Music and Wellness initiative, the In Harmony program, and the Harry and Cora Sue Mach Student Concert Series.
“Today was a celebration of those who give back,” said President Rockecharlie. “We are deeply grateful for everyone who made this day possible and for all who continue to support our world-class, Grammy Award-winning Symphony Orchestra. Together, we are making music—and a difference.”
Thank you to PaperCity, The Social Book, CultureMap and The Buzz Magazines for the coverage of this event.
Excerpt from The Buzz Magazines
Good tempo. The major keys were Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani, who chaired the Fifth Annual Conversations with an ICON Luncheon at Houston Country Club benefiting the Houston Symphony League. With rhythm and harmony, president Heidi Rockecharlieconducted a score of the League’s accomplishments and outreach initiatives, with projections to reach more than 350,000 individuals this season, over 130,000 of whom are children. Guests enjoyed an engaging repertoire between ICON honoree Heidi Turney (VP and GM of longtime supporter Saks Fifth Avenue) and journalist Shelby Hodge, who were followed by models in spring clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue. Three exemplary Houstonians Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, and Beth Wolff were honored for their rhapsody of unwavering support.
2025 ELLEN KELLEY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD – SUSAN SNIDER OSTERBERG
/in Award, Volunteer/by Tracie Welch-BrentonIn service to the Houston Symphony League, Susan Osterberg is guided by Shakespeare’s words, “The quality of giving blesses twice: he who receives and he who gives”.
Susan’s leadership and philanthropic roles have included HSL President in 2012-2013, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Government Affairs, the President’s Council, Strategic Planning, Arts Advocacy, Mentorship Program, Fall Luncheon Co-chair, Nominations Chair, Ima Hogg Competition, and Community Engagement. She has given support to the Annual Fund, Exploring Houston’s Arts and Culture, Underwriting chair for Opening Night, and chaired the HS Legacy Society Luncheon. In addition, Susan has led campaigns for government funding of the arts, assisted with the HSL Musician Staff Appreciation events, ushered at Student Concerts & Family Concerts, the Symphony Store, Magical Musical Morning, Casino Night 2024, and gathered auction items for the annual Symphony Ball.
When asked about memorable HSL involvement, two events come to mind. Bordeaux on the Bayou, which received the League of American Orchestras’ Gold Book Award, was an arts evening with community outreach and was shared among the Houston Symphony League, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, and the City of Houston Parks and Recreation. The event was held in the Vine Street Studios and brought together 23 arts groups who contributed to the arts evening. Attendees were surrounded by the world of performing and visual arts, friendship, and Bordeaux wine.
The second memorable initiative was HSL’s 75th Anniversary year, honoring the Diamond Anniversary Celebration, during Susan’s HSL presidency in 2012-2013. Amid twinkling lights, in the Gardens of Bayou Bend, members and friends of the League gathered to celebrate the legacy of the organization’s founder, Miss Ima Hogg. Highlights of the evening included proclamations from Mayor Anise Parker and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. During that year, Susan led the efforts for the League’s gift of a Steinway Piano for the symphony
Professionally, Susan has been a lifelong arts advocate and arts educator. She has devoted her professional career to the field of arts communication and is an educator in the Department of Arts and Communication in the University of Houston System.
Various other professional assignments have included her association with the Nina Vance Alley Theatre, the Elementary School for Creative and Performing Arts, and a residency at the National Endowment for the Arts. Susan was one of three American women selected to represent the United States in Sierra Leone, where she introduced the arts of Texas to the people of West Africa.
Susan is married to Edward C. Osterberg, Jr. They have one son, Charles, a partner at Urology Austin in Austin, Texas.
The Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Year Award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the Houston Symphony league and the Houston Symphony. The Award was established in 1984 and named after its first recipient, Ellen Kelley. The honoree has special qualities of purposeful involvement, the ability to inspire others, meets goals with a vision for the present and the future, hard work in the trenches, productivity, ingenuity and ongoing support and leadership are all important qualities of the recipient.
The 2025 Alyce Tostengard Crystal Cello
/in Award/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThis Alyce Tostengard Crystal Cello Award was awarded at the Spring Membership Tea to 12-year Volunteer Houston Symphony League member, Jeffery Aron!
Jeff has become a fixture at Student and Family Concerts for the past 12 years as he was transitioning into his second retirement from a career in Electrical Engineering. A PhD, Jeff had an illustrious career working for Warner Communications, Norden and finally for Schlumberger, which afforded his family the joy of living in Paris. After an early retirement, he couldn’t sit still and went to work for Tuboscope and even after his second retirement he went into consulting using his in-depth knowledge of acoustics, which certainly comes in handy as a patron of the Houston Symphony.
After his second retirement, his wife, Rita, a long time Houston Symphony League volunteer told him about the acute need for more volunteers for Student Concerts and he rapidly stepped up to the challenge and even telling his consulting clients he would be late because he “was needed at that days Student Concerts”.
A fixture on the Texas Street side of Jones Hall, he knows that the more help you have in shepherding the kids into Jones Hall the smoother the day goes for everyone. He just enjoys the students and the Texas side of the street; so, he probably won’t quit volunteering any time soon.
Congratulations and we are so proud of Jeff and all he does for the Houston Symphony League.
Mary M. Fusillo-2024 Crystal Cello Award Winner
Conversations with an Icon: A Symphony of Fashion, Community, and Impact
/in Event/by Tracie Welch-BrentonHouston’s cultural landscape is rich with events that blend elegance, philanthropy, and community engagement—but few do so as seamlessly as the Houston Symphony League’s Conversations with an Icon featuring Saks Fifth Avenue. This highly anticipated luncheon and fashion show is more than just a glamorous gathering; it serves as a vital bridge, connecting the arts to the community while raising funds that make a real difference.
Expanding Access to the Arts
Attending a world-class symphony performance is an experience like no other. Yet, for many in Houston, access to live orchestral music remains out of reach. The Houston Symphony League is dedicated to changing that. Funds raised from this event help bring the magic of live classical music to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that the power of music transcends barriers and reaches a broader, more diverse audience.
Enhancing Music Education
Music has the power to inspire, and early exposure can shape a child’s lifelong appreciation for the arts. The League channels part of its funding into educational programs that introduce students—including those from underprivileged communities—to the world of music. Through these programs, young minds are exposed to popular and classical compositions, world-renowned conductors, and historical composers, nurturing the next generation of music lovers and performers.
The Healing Power of Music
Music does more than entertain—it heals. Through its Music Therapy and Outreach Program, the Houston Symphony League supports initiatives that bring live classical performances to hospitals, nursing homes, and home-bound patients. The therapeutic benefits of music have been well-documented, and these live performances by Houston Symphony Orchestra members provide comfort, relaxation, and even cognitive benefits to those in need.
More Than a Fashion Show—A Community Investment
When you attend Conversations with an Icon, you are not just supporting the arts—you are investing in education, inclusion, and well-being. Your participation helps create meaningful, lasting change in Houston’s cultural and social fabric.
Join us on March 26, 2025, at Houston Country Club for Conversations with an ICON, the intersection of fashion and philanthropy. Most importantly, help ensure that the beauty of music remains accessible to all.
Awards Announced for LAO and TASO
/in Award/by Tracie Welch-BrentonBig Announcement! The Houston Symphony League won a Gold Award of Excellence from the League of American Orchestras’ Volunteer Council and three Recognized Project Awards from the Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras (TASO).
The Houston Symphony League won a Gold Award of Excellence from the League of American Orchestras (LAO) Volunteer Council for its project Engaging Membership for Retention. This project highlights what the Membership Committee did to grow our League membership through retention efforts. The lead for the project was Leslie Nossaman. The Volunteer Council’s Gold Awards of Excellence honor best-in-class programs and initiatives that have made a significant impact on their orchestras. Only seven Gold Awards were given this year.
The project will be presented to symphony volunteers at the upcoming LAO Conference in Salt Lake City on June 11-13, 2025. Leslie Nossaman will make the presentation and lead the discussion at the conference. LAO is a North American organization whose membership encompasses nearly 800-member symphony, chamber, youth, and collegiate orchestras in all 50 US states and Canada.
The Engaging Membership for Retention project also won a Recognized Project Award from TASO. In addition, two other projects – Shop, Sip, Stroll, and Dine for a Cause, a project chaired by Deborah Laws and Raquel Lewis, and Getting Them in the Door, submitted by Betty Tutor and Fran Peterson on behalf of the League’s Symphonic Social Connections – were also awarded Recognized Project Awards. These three projects will be presented at the annual TASO Conference in Waco on March 21-22. TASO’s membership includes 16 Texas Symphony Leagues.
Houston Symphony League Book Club History and Invitation
/in News/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThe Houston Symphony League (HSL) Book Club provides a dedicated timeframe to reflect, share, explore, socialize, engage, and expand our knowledge regarding our common bond and love of music. The HSL Book Club, founded in 2013 during the HSL President tenure of Kelli Cohen Fein, recaptured in 2015 during the HSL President tenure of Betty Tutor, and steadfastly pursued by all subsequent HSL Presidents, encourages reading as a path to a deeper understanding of music in general . More specifically, the HSL Book Club provides a deeper understanding of the upcoming Houston Symphony symphonic music repertoire, a more robust and cohesive HSL community, and more integral involvement of the individual in the collective consciousness of both HSL and HS missions. The HSL Book Club offers a delightful opportunity to embrace and understand music and literature in novel ways.
Ginny Garrett, the esteemed HSL Historian for many years, embodied the HSL Book Club’s consummate facilitator from 2013 through 2022. She demonstrated an impressive breadth of knowledge and an entertaining manner in imparting information, stimulating thought and conversation that broadened everyone’s depth of understanding of the music, the composer, and the text at hand. All attendees engaged in lively conversation, offering observant and thought-provoking insights. Likewise, the HSL Book Club setting at the homes of Diane Gendel and Kelli Cohen Fein was well-attended, providing convivial, illuminating discussion, social engagement, and always delectable refreshments for each morning session. Further enriching the HSL Book Club’s meaningful impact, beginning in 2023, the illustrious and learned Robert Chanon assumed the role of a vibrant facilitator, and Betty Tutor joined Kelli Cohen Fein and Diane Gendel as a co-chair and hostess.
A few of the myriad highlights of the more than 10 years of HSL Book Club’s rich experiences must be mentioned as we have been fortunate to have benefited from so many talents:
Our guest facilitator, Lucy Lewis, presided with great aplomb as she presented Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan; Ann Thurmond graced us with her prodigious piano performance at one book club session; Harry Gendel was infinitely generous to provide Zoom availability during the pandemic; Ginny Garrett taught all the Book Club attendees to conduct at another memorable session and Robert Chanon captivated with his presentation on the genius of Leonard Bernstein.
The HSL Book Club has proven itself over the last 11 years to be a successful educational and social activity for our members. Our facilitator studies the HS season of slated works each year to find inspiration for pertinent, timely, and relevant books. The opportunity to learn more about featured composers is a powerful draw for HSL members. We recognize that our learning curves remain vertical despite years of exposure to these great composers and their works. The Book Club represents an inspirational and meaningful vehicle for our individual and collective music awareness. We meet twice a year – Spring and Fall from 10-11:30 am at the home of one of the co-chairs. The time together provides a “measure” of education, friendship, and connection to music to the Houston Symphony and the Houston Symphony League members.
An impressive list of some of the formidable books the HSL Book Club has embraced through the years, beginning in 2013 to the present :
Why Mahler? How One Man and Ten Symphonies Changed Our World – Norman Lebrecht
Mahler – A Life by Johnathan Carr.
Changing Lives: Gustavo Dudamel, El Sistema and the Transformative Power of Music – Tricia Tunstall
Beethoven – Maynard Solomon
New Worlds of Dvorak-Searching in America for the Composer’s Inner Life – Michael B. Beckerman
Hallelujah Junction – Composing an American Life by John Adams.
Sergei Rachmaninoff – A Lifetime in Music — Sergei Bertensson and Jay Leyda.
The Noise of Time – Julian Barnes
Dinner With Lenny – Jonathan Cottrell
George Gershwin: An Intimate Portrait– Walter Rimler.
Sounds and Sweet Airs: The Forgotten Women of Classical Music – Anna Beer.
Schumann, the Face and the Masks – Judith Chernaik
At the Piano with Robert and Clara Schumann, edited by Maurice Hinson –Recommended by Darlene Clark – re sightreading practice
The Silent Musician-Why the Conductor Matters – Mark Wugglesworth
The Lives of Isaac Stern by David Schoenbaum.
Mozart’s Women by Jane Glover
The Infinite Variety of Music – Leonard Bernstein
Tchaikovsky’s Empire – A New Life of Russia’s Greatest Composer – Simon Morrison.
Every Valley – Charles King
Join us in the learning and the friendship in pursuit of our common bond and passion for music !!!
“…For music consists of harmony, and harmony becomes far more complete if all the voices collaborate to form it.” ~Johann Sebastian Bach