CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR: A Tribute to the Beatles

The purpose of the Syracuse Symphony Association is to promote and advance the welfare of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. This goal is achieved through educational, fundraising, public relations, and administrative activities. Members of the SSA are volunteers dedicated to providing the community with “Real. Live. Music.” All proceeds generated by any SSA event or project benefit the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.

For the 2006-2007 season, the SSA exceeded their goal of $71,500 and presented a gift of $75,000 to the Symphony at the SSA Annual Meeting in June 2007.

Projects/Activities
Membership Information
Board of Directors

Projects/Activities

EDUCATION…

Practice Marathon—Spring 2008
This event emphasizes to music students the importance of practicing their musical instruments. The students secure sponsors for each half-hour of practice during the month of March, “Music In Our Schools” month. Last year more than 150 students from 27 schools participated in the Practice Marathon. All participants are presented with a memento of their participation and tickets to a Symphony performance. Prizes are awarded to the top three winners in time practiced and money raised. For more information, visit www.ssapracticemarathon.com.  

Sally Whittle Performing Arts Scholarship
Established in 1992, the Association awards a music scholarship in memory of Sally Whittle, a former board member. The recipient is an outstanding student who seeks further education to pursue a music career. A committee of Association members and SSO musicians reviews the applications and selects the winner. The winner is recognized at the Annual Meeting.


FUNDRAISING EVENTS…

Music of the Night—October 18, 2007
This event is a community social event that offers an opportunity for the Association to recognize those persons who have demonstrated unwavering support for the orchestra over the years. A silent auction is part of the evening’s activities.

Nutcracker Sales—November 29-December 2, 2007
A perfect place to purchase nutcrackers in every size for the holidays during performances of The Nutcracker at the Civic Center.

The Symphonic Affair Silent Auction—May 3, 2008
Join us for a festive evening at the Oncenter. This activity is coordinated with the SSO’s spring event, The Symphonic Affair. In 2007, the SSA silent auction raised $29,000 for the Symphony.


SSA STORES…

Encore!
The SSA opened the Encore Thrift Shop in December 2005. After a successful start-up in a temporary location, Encore relocated to its “permanent” home in July 2006. To date, Encore has raised more than $50,000 in net proceeds for the SSO. Encore is located at 119 Brooklea Drive, Fayetteville. (315) 637-6133

Prelude Boutique
This shop is located on the main level of the Mulroy Civic Center across from the coat room. It is open during SSO concerts, including the Saturday morning Central New York Community Foundation Family Series, and features specialty items with musical and seasonal themes.


PUBLIC RELATIONS EVENTS…

Membership Tea—September 2007
Membership in the Association continues to grow through events like the Membership Tea. Held in the home of a member, the Tea is an opportunity for invited guests to learn about the Association, to meet current members, to honor the sustainers, and to meet Music Director Daniel Hege.

Musicians Appreciation Luncheons—November 15, 2007 and April 2, 2008
This annual luncheon is hosted by the SSA Board of Directors to show appreciation to the SSO musicians. Food and drink are provided by our members, who set up tables and serve as hostesses.

Intermezzo Holiday Luncheon—December 12, 2007
This luncheon has been an annual event for many years. This year it will be held at the Genesee Grande Hotel. An SSO ensemble will be featured. It has always been a special time for the membership to get together to celebrate the holidays and the fellowship of the Symphony family.

Annual Meeting—June 2008
Each year the annual meeting is held in June to review the year’s activities, vote on the nominated officers, and award the Sally Whittle Performing Arts Scholarship.


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE SSO…

Youth Concert Monitors
Monitors are needed for the youth concerts that are held at the Mulroy Civic Center for Central New York schoolchildren. The monitors assist in ushering the students to and from the concert hall.

Mailings
The Orchestra sends out many pieces of mail and needs volunteers to assist with these projects.

Reception/Phone Answering
The SSO main office is in need of volunteers to help out a few hours a week with reception and phones.

Consider volunteering! You will have fun and meet some great people! Call the Symphony office at 424-8222.


MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

As a Member of the Association you can…
KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING IN SYRACUSE!

Involvement with the Syracuse Symphony Association is one of the best volunteer experiences you can have, and we invite you to take part in this important work. Your membership in the SSA will help us continue to provide the community with all of the benefits a full-time orchestra brings. It will provide you with the following tangible benefits:

• Invitations to all Association events
• 2 for 1 ticket prices for the annual concert recognizing the SSA
• UPBEAT, our newsletter
• Tax savings—your contributions are tax deductible

Most of all, your participation will provide you with the satisfaction of volunteer service in a wide variety of activities with a terrific organization.

Membership Levels
Pianissimo $25
Forte (Couple) $40
Pizzicato $50
Crescendo (lifetime) $250
Fortissimo (lifetime) $500

For more information, please call the Symphony Office at 424-8222. 


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers
Vicki Feldman, President
Catherine Davies, Executive Vice President
Erma Rech, Secretary
Nancy Slavens, Treasurer
Janet Mallan, Assistant Treasurer

Board of Directors
Virginia Chmielewicz
Marilyn Crosby
Sherly Day-Bernthal
Kay Fey
Peggy Ginniff
Katarina Hege
Betty Hill
Patricia Howard
Susan Klenk
Carol Louise
Margi Nasemann
Donna Neuhauser
Marcia Neumiller
Laurie Olander
Sydney Radka
Sandy Rosenfeld
Mary Lou Smullen
Mary Thompson
Jill Walsh
Lucia Whisenand
Linda Williams