The Odessa Symphony Guild (OSG) was organized as a support group for the Odessa Symphony Association (OSA). Cognizant of the need for organized support for the OSA, a group of symphony supporters mailed invitations to those whom they felt would be interested in participating. At these informal meetings, the proposed Guild’s purpose was outlined. The Odessa Symphony Guild was formally organized in 1958 with Mrs. Gordon (Joan) Headlee elected to serve as its first president. There were five other Odessans who had contributed to the formation of the Guild and were awarded Honorary Memberships. Other membership categories were, and still are, Active, Patron, and Debs who are now called Belles and Beaux.
The Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale (MOSC) was founded in 1962 when the Odessa Symphony Association joined the Midland Symphony Association under the leadership of Dr.Lara Hoggard. This was a very positive move and afforded a much stronger symphony organization. Although MOSC became one organization, both the Midland Symphony Guild (MSG) and the Odessa Symphony Guild (OSG) remained separate entities, each contributing its own support to MOSC.
Administration
The OSG Board is composed of the Executive Committee and the Standing Committee Chairpersons. There are fourteen or more standing committees needed to carry out the affairs of the OSG. OSG members are required to serve on at least one committee per year. By-Laws are amended as necessary. Minutes of record are maintained and financial records are kept according to accepted accounting procedures. Financial records are delivered to MOSC at the end of the fiscal year for inclusion in MOSC’s annual audit. The OSG sends representatives to the TASO (Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras) Board meetings as well as the annual conference. This allows the OSG to network with other symphony support groups throughout the state of Texas.
Youth Program
This Program for sophomore, junior, and senior high school girls operated for many years as the “Debs.” The senior Debs were introduced during intermission at the annual Christmas concert. In 1989-1990, this program was expanded to include sophomore, junior, and senior high school boys and was renamed “Belles and Beaux.” In 2005-2006, this program included freshman students, but their duties did not start until their sophomore year. The seniors, juniors, and sophomores are presented during the annual Gala Ball with an emphasis placed on the seniors, their accomplishments and future plans. In 2008-2009, freshman will participate as full members and be presented at the annual Gala Ball. Since the program’s inception, the students have assisted at concerts and at NYAC wherever needed. This helps meet their commitment to the OSG. The Guild sponsored an Outreach Program inviting surrounding communities to support the MOSC through active membership and Belle-Beau participation. The OSG sponsors a “Jewel” (Belle) and escort (Beau) each year to attend the Austin Jewel Ball. The “Jewel” and escort are selected on the basis of their previous work and support to the Symphony and must be at least a freshman in college.
Financial Support
Both large and small fundraisers have been conducted since the inception of the Guild. For many years, several fundraisers were held in order to meet OSG’s financial commitment. Some fundraisers have been Antique Fairs, Cocktail and Dinner Parties, Boutiques, Garden and Patio Parties, Luncheon and Style Shows, Raffles, Silent Auctions, Live Auctions, Helen Corbit Cooking School, Pastel Portraits by Oklahoma artist Letha Nichols, Western-theme dances (The Stomp), and now a formal Gala Ball. Over the years, these events have been staged at Floyd Gwin Auditorium, private homes, Exhibit Hall A, Pan American Ball Room, Radisson Hotel, Holiday Inn Centre, Odessa Country Club, and MCM Eleganté Hotel. Many different themes have been used.
Season Tickets
From the inception until the early 1990s, the OSG addressed and mailed all brochures from MOSC to Odessa patrons. The labels were furnished by the Odessa Water Department. The OSG sold and mailed all tickets, collected all monies, and kept all records pertaining to ticket sales for MOSC. Phone banks were set up at Texas Electric, Pioneer Natural Gas, a retail store, and in a downtown bank. “Champagne Campaigns” were conducted at night from the downtown phone bank in order to reach those patrons who were unavailable during daytime hours. The addressing and mailing of brochures and tickets were conducted from OSG’s members’ homes. In 1972, the MOSC moved into a new rehearsal hall near the air terminal. This building included office space and was built and equipped to serve the Symphony’s needs. In 1982, the hall was enlarged to include additional office space. With the expansion of computer capabilities in the early 1990s, tickets sales, bookkeeping, and addressing and mailing of brochures have been conducted by MOSC.
NYAC
Dr. Lara Hoggard organized The National Young Artist Competition in 1962. Originally, it was an annual event, but since 1993, it has been held every other year, alternating between Odessa and Midland and staged by the Symphony Guild of the host city. Contestants must be less than 28 years old and must be certified by their teachers as competent to perform as soloists with a professional symphony. There are three categories: piano, winds and percussion, and strings. A panel of musicians of national repute judges the two-day competition. The winner in each category is awarded a $2,000 cash prize and medal honoring Dr. Lara Hoggard, founder of the competition. The judges also select an overall winner who receives an additional $1,500 and is engaged to perform as a soloist with the Midland-Odessa Symphony the following season. The OSG’s next NYAC will be held in January of 2011. The Midland Symphony Guild will host NYAC this year at the Allison Fine Arts Center from January 8-10, 2009.
Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale
Volunteer hours and talent have been an immeasurable contribution. Thousands of dollars have been raised and donated to MOSC. Diane Hilbert is the executive director and the music director for the 2008-2009 season is Gary Lewis.
MOSC website: www.mosc.org
Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras (TASO)
TASO was founded in 1965 by Mrs. Henry S. (Juanita) Miller of Dallas, Texas, who was elected the first president of TASO in 1967. This organization was created to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas that serve to support and promote the interest and growth of symphony orchestras around the state. At present, TASO is composed of 32 member organizations representing two states. Volunteer member organizations enjoy privileges, which include a communication network, information clearing house, a unified voice for arts advocacy, and an annual student concerto competition appropriately named after TASO’s founder, Juanita Miller. Each spring, a different city hosts the annual TASO Conference where educational workshops are led by well-known speakers, annual project awards are presented, and there are always many opportunities to hear wonderful music!
2008-2009 TASO Officers
- President – President: Marsha K. Green, Waco
- President Elect - Laverne Gollob, Tyler
- VP Administration - Helen Burwell, Conroe
- VP Communications - Jan Bradley, Lubbock
- VP Conference - Lynn O'Day, Ft. Worth
- VP Projects - Alice Hyde, Amarillo
- Secretary - Avon Langston, Ft. Worth
- Treasurer - Susan Brown, Irving
TASO website: www.tasovolunteeer.com
13th Annual Juanita Miller Concerto Competition
January 15-17, 2009
Southern Methodist University
Owen Art Center
9:00-5:00
TASO Conference
April 15-18, 2009
Abilene, Texas
