[The following was updated on 7/10/08]
Dear Belles and Beaux,
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. I am the Belles and Beaux Chair for this year and look forward to working with you. Below you will find information about this coming year.
The New Member Brunch for all new Belles and Beaux and their sponsors will be held in your honor August 22, 2009. It will be held at Dee’s on the South East Corner of 7th and Lee Streets. The Brunch begins at 10:45 and should end by noon. You can come and get acquainted with the other guild members and learn more about the Odessa Symphony Guild. There will be a fashion show to help inform you how to dress at the different events that you will usher, hostess or serve this concert season. You will all be formally introduced as well. In addition, some girls’ formal dresses will be available for purchase from graduating members. You may also purchase the casual MOSC shirt for $15 to avoid the crowd at orientation.
This year the mandatory Orientation Meeting will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2009 @ 2:00 pm at the First Methodist Church Activities Building. This is the meeting where you will sign up for your shift work. It is very important that you attend and get signed up. We asked that all belles/beaux only sign up for themselves to avoid conflicts of dates/times, etc. Seniors will sign up first then juniors and sophomores, and last will be the freshmen. Please bring your calendars to this meeting so that you will be able to choose dates that work best for you (see dates below). Seniors, you will need to sign up for 2 shifts while the juniors and sophomores will need 3 shifts. Freshman for your first year in the OSG you will need to sign up for 2 shifts. Some of you have extra shifts from last year that will carry over while a few of you will have to make up shifts. We are here to work with you. When signing up for your shifts, please notice the attire and only sign up for one decorating shift. Decorating shifts are for the Pops Series only and for the Gala Ball. Seniors, your year will be very busy so I encourage you to sign up for the shifts that are early in the year. All of your shift work will need to be done by January 1, 2009 in order to be presented at the Gala Ball on Saturday, February 6th, 2010.
The Gala Ball (Presentation) will be for all Belles and Beaux. Your ticket was purchased with your dues so please plan to attend. Each class will be presented with the highlight being the Senior Presentation. The weekend before the Gala Ball, there will be a short rehearsal for all belles and beaux. The date and times for each class will be announced at a later date.
Seniors, we will need several things from you for the Gala Ball. We would like to have these as soon as possible.
- Ball Pictures – Seniors, please contact Sally Osborn, 664-8381, to schedule your ball program picture. This picture will also be used for the Odessa American and The Odessan. Beaux, please wear your formal concert attire or a tuxedo for your picture. Belles, please wear the ball gown you plan to wear to the ball. Pictures must be completed by December 1, 2009.
- Senior guest list to the Ball will need to be in by November 1, 2009.
- Attire -Senior Belles please let me know the make, style, color, etc. of your dress when you purchase it. This is to insure that there won’t be any duplicates.
The Symphony has asked all Belles and Beaux to follow the attire guidelines listed below.
Informal Concert Attire:
The Informal concert attire will be unisex (same for the belles and beaux). The MOSC shirts can be purchased from me for $15.00.
Black pants (no jeans or jean material)
MOSC Black collared polo shirts
Closed toe shoes
Formal Concert Attire:
Beaux:
Black Blazers
Khaki Slacks
Burgundy tie
White Shirt
Dress Shoes
Belles:
Black satin two-piece dress
Black dress shoes
Strand of pearls
Small pearl earrings (no other jewelry except a watch and rings)
Belles, your dresses will need to be made or purchased from graduated formal Belles. Betty’s Bobbin Box has agreed to order the black satin, pattern and all notions for us. The fabric is held in the back so you will have to ask for it. Betty’s Bobbin Box is located at 2734 N. Grandview (by Mr. Gatti’s). The phone number is 550-0093. In addition you may purchase the materials at Hancock Fabrics in Midland @ 15 Meta, 683-5502. They are carrying the fabric and notions. The fabric may be held in the back so ask.
Pattern Specifics:
- McCall's Evening Elegance #3571 Skirt view F, Bodice View A - the neckline was raised 1 1/2" higher and 2" was added to the bodice length.
- The buttons are Size 24- 5/8" dia. Style ADB-1R buttons to cover $1.39.
- 5 buttons are on the back of the bodice and No buttons on the sleeves.
- We used only 5 buttons NOT 8 like the pattern called for.
- 1 7" black zipper
- 1 Hook & eye
- Lining- the bodice is lined.
- Fabric - Dull Satin Sku # 708420 60" wide 100% poly, machine washable $7.00 a yard.
If you prefer not to sew, Lupe Smith @ 1805 Walnut, 332-8378, has made some of the dresses in the past. She only charges $40 and does not require all of the materials mentioned above. She will need 5 yards of fabric, 1 1/2 yards of lining, the zipper, and thread. She will provide the rest. Please allow 2 weeks to complete the dress.
Helen Davis, 337-7120, is another seamstress you might consider using.
If you have any questions please email me at lesli.coody@ectorcountyisd.org and I will try to reply as soon as possible.
See you at Orientation.
Thanks,
Lesli Coody
