 Tuned in Tuesday May 21, 2024 |
Join The Chorus Cocktail Party Celebration! Join in the Chorus Cocktail Party and Membership Meeting was held on Wednesday May 8th at Painted Plate. Fifty Guild members and guests enjoyed social time and food followed by an end-of-the-year meeting. Thanks to Guild Sponsor Painted Plate for hosting our meeting and providing delicious appetizers. Thanks to Guild Sponsor, Lancôme, for spending time with attendees and providing take-away products for all. President Elizabeth Heard opened the meeting by introducing Caroline Jones, who has been a member of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra for 39 years. Caroline plays the viola and spoke about what her life was like balancing concerts, rehearsals and full-time job. It was a charismatic presentation reflecting her love of music and her passion for music education. The next speaker was Chelsea Tipton, Maestro Candidate #7, conducting the GSO Master Works concert on Saturday May 11 at Tanger Center. He is a Page High School alumnus. The Golden Note 2024 Award winner was Kristie Smith. Debbie Faircloth read a tribute about her. Kristie was out of the country so the award had been presented to her at an earlier date. Congrats Kristie – well deserved for all the years of service you have given the Guild! Elizabeth presented the GSO with a check for $65,000. The Guild had a very successful year due to the hard work of Elizabeth, her board and all the Guild members. Lisa Crawford accepted the check on behalf of the orchestra and thanked the Guild for our continued support. A very special guest was with us that afternoon, Marilyn Green. Our orchestra’s new rehearsal hall, the Dean and Marilyn Green Rehearsal Hall in downtown Greensboro, is a true gift to our community and we are immensely grateful to them. Brooke Fields announced the nominations for the 2024-2025 Guild Board of Directors. The members voted and approved the new board. Elizabeth presented Rhonda Bentz with the Presidential Medal for Outstanding Service given to the Guild by President Ronald Regan in 1985. The medal passes on to the incoming Guild President each year. Mary Rush, Executive Assistant, was recognized for her hard work and dedication to the Guild this past year. We simply cannot do without Mary, who keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes. Her wealth of knowledge continues to keep us on a consistent positive path year after year. Thank you Mary for your dedication! This event is always a fun way to close out the year and to kick-off a new Guild season! Thanks to Gigi Renaud for chairing and coordinating this wonderful event! ___________________________________________________________________________ Kristie Smith Receives Golden Note Award  The Golden Note Award was established in 1979 and is presented to a Guild member who has made an outstanding service contribution to the Guild and to the Community. This year’s recipient, Kristie Smith, is synonymous with beauty and grace, and in her more than 20 years with the Greensboro Symphony Guild, has blessed the organization with her special touch—making our events and programs more memorable. Kristie grew up in Wisconsin and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After teaching in Madison and Chapel Hill, she earned an MBA from Wake Forest University. She has been a Greensboro resident since 1982 when her husband Greg joined an anesthesiology practice at Moses Cone Hospital. While raising their three children, she volunteered at their schools and with the Greater Greensboro Society of Medical Alliance. In 2002, Kristie joined the Greensboro Symphony Guild. She has served on the Executive Board of Directors as Guild Secretary and Vice President of Education, and has chaired a wide variety of positions in all areas of Guild operations, including Guild Horn newsletter editor, membership chair, and co-chair of the Big Band, Bourbon and Blandwood fundraiser. In 2014, she co-chaired the Guild’s 50th Anniversary Kickoff Luncheon and also coordinated the Guild’s award-winning entry in the Well Spring Community Tree Decorating Contest, using her creativity and teamwork to win “Best in Show” and an additional $2500 prize for music education. After her two daughters Andrea and Corinne participated in the Symphony Presentation Ball, Kristie served as Ball Chair in 2012, and was named Honorary Chair in 2022. A long-time member of the Presentation Ball Committee, she has always been willing to serve, adding her talents to decorating the Ballroom, chairing such events as the Mother-Daughter Luncheon, and providing counsel and wisdom to both committee members and participants alike. Under her leadership, the Presentation Ball has evolved with the times while keeping the cherished traditions intact. However, one of the most memorable and rewarding Guild experiences for Kristie occurred in the spring of 2018, when she worked with beloved and classic Guild members Judy Jolly and Peggy Johnson to plan the celebration luncheon for the 25th anniversary of the school concerts which was held at Greensboro Country Club. Peggy had modeled the school concerts program after a Washington, DC program and had worked hard to get the McDonald franchise to significantly underwrite the program. Kristie later recalled that she was humbled to work under these visionary, dynamic women, learning so much in the process from their persuasive powers, and their passion and commitment to the music education cause. This experience led to a greater love and appreciation in Kristie for the education mission of the Guild. We see the benefits even today as our School Concerts have grown bigger and better with the opening of the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. In recent years, Kristie has focused on her retirement and her growing family, which include daughter Andrea and husband Michael, daughter Corinne and husband Greg, and son Eric and wife Eleanor. There are also eight delightful grandchildren to enjoy and love. She and Greg also spend a significant time at their coastal home and traveling with friends and family. Thank you, Kristie, for making our lives more beautiful and for representing the Guild so magnificently in the community. Your contributions will impact our organization for many years to come. Kristie Smith’s response to receiving the Golden Note Award—When Elizabeth Heard, Brooke Fields and Debbie Faircloth approached me several weeks ago with a stunning bouquet of flowers and an elegantly framed Golden Note Award, I was genuinely taken aback! I later discovered that several friends and the members of the Nominations Committee had done a little behind-the-scenes scheming in order to surprise me with this award in advance of my long-planned trip. That exciting moment and the way it was executed, perfectly illustrates what I most appreciate about this group. In the Greensboro Symphony Guild there is no limit to your collective energy, passion, generosity, creativity and genuine camaraderie. We are all so privileged to be able to enrich our community while having fun and cementing friendships along the way. I feel so fortunate to have found my “volunteer home” in the Guild and I greatly appreciate this special recognition. |
| 2024-25 Slate of Officers The following slate of officers were installed at the General Membership Cocktail Party on May 8, 2024. We thank them for their willingness to serve. President – Rhonda Bentz President Elect – Gigi Renaud Secretary – Marie Harrill Treasurer – Laura James Director of Operations – Barbara Key Director of Education – Amy Evans Director of Marketing – Jennifer Nowlin Director of Fundraising – Julie Haehn Presentation Ball Chair – Donna Camp Nominations/Awards Chair – Elizabeth Heard Sponsor Liaison – Brenda Macfadden  From l to r: Rhonda Bentz, Gigi Renaud, Marie Harrill, Jennifer Nowlin, Barbara Key, Laura James, Julie Haehn, Donna Camp, Brenda Macfadden and Elizabeth Heard. Not pictured Amy Evans. Thank you to the members of this year’s Nominations/ Awards Committee for their efforts in support of the GSG. Committee members were: Brooke Fields (Chair), Sherri Hill, Kimm Rountree, Debbie Faircloth, Rhonda Bentz and Jennifer Dymek ___________________________________________________________________________ 2023-24 Guild Contributions to GSO Total $65,000  I am happy to report that our end of year donation to the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra for this year, including the Annual Education campaign, is $65,000. Many thanks to the Corporate Sponsors who supported us this year, to the Guild members who were Member Benefactor Sponsors and to all our Members and Friends of the Guild who generously contributed. Thanks to everyone who chaired and served on committees that raised funds towards our donation. Our efforts to support the young musicians in the Greensboro community and to contribute to the Music Education programs of the Symphony are rewarding and appreciated. This is a very exciting time in the Guild with many members promoting the Guild’s music education mission so that we can keep these traditions thriving! Elizabeth Heard 2023-24 President     ___________________________________________________________________________  Message from Past-President, Elizabeth Heard Join the Chorus! Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to have the honor to serve as President for the last year. We had a theme, Join in the Chorus, welcomed 14 new members and presented the GSO with a check for $65,000, which exceeded our goal of $60,800. This contribution is the result of the hard work of our Guild members. All the money is used by the GSO to support their music education programs. We held two campaigns – Annual Education Campaign and 88 Keys and two fundraisers – A Notable Night Under the Stars, and Love ‘n Music. Every month, selling donated household items at Golden Antiques, enabled us to have a steady flow of funds. We had some shopping days, where donations were made based on our purchases. We held the 46th annual Presentation Ball where 10 young women were presented. Our three membership meetings included guest speakers – GSO President Lisa Crawford, Miss North Carolina Taylor Loyd, and GSO Violist Caroline Jones. We were able to get together with the help of our sponsors for a Welcome Back Cocktail Party, Valentines at the Art Shoppe, and a wonderful piano concert at the Steinway Gallery. Our volunteers assisted in supporting the GSO to perform a specially designed concert to nearly 20,000 students in the Tanger Center. Besides supporting the GSO financially, we also help fill the seats at their concerts. Our members and their guests attended the Greensboro Symhony’s Season of Seven and are now wondering who the new Maestro will be! We attended pop concerts featuring Air Supply, Ruben Stoddard, Cirque Goes Broadway and and we attended annual events like the Christmas Concert, Harry Potter Concerts and the Gospel Choir. Additionally, we are all excited about the Dean and Marilyn Green Rehearsal Hall that recently opened on Elm Street. Whew! It was a busy year. I have been blessed by the people before me who have worked for decades to build a strong, thriving organization. I have been fortunate that Mary Rush is the glue that holds us together, year-to-year. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of you who contributed your time, treasures, and talent to make this organization thrive. My heart is full. I have turned over the reins to Rhonda Bentz who will do many great things to lead the Guild’s success. The best is yet to come. ___________________________________________________________________________  Message from President, Rhonda Bentz Sixty Years of Music! I am looking forward to being your Guild President for 2024-25. We have a lot to look forward to for the coming new year! A Notable Night will be November 22 at the Tanger Center. Sixties singing sensation, the Fifth Dimension will perform with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. Twenty-one young ladies will make their bow on December 28 at the Symphony Presentation Ball. It’s a beautiful event and if you’ve never attended, please consider coming this year. If you would like to be part of the fun and make new friends; join us and get involved! ___________________________________________________________________________  Bravo Award Nominations The Nominations/Awards Committee is requesting nominations for the Bravo Award. This award is presented to a Guild member in good standing who has been in the Guild five years or less and has given extensive volunteer service. The recipient is selected by the Nominations/Awards committee from names submitted by the membership and received before the June 1 deadline. The award will be presented at the Fall General Meeting. Please submit nominations or questions to Brooke Fields, Chair of Nominations/Awards Committee, by email ([email protected]) or phone (336-687-9887). Click Here for the Nominations form. _____________________________________________________________________________  Sponsor Highlight The Loaded Grape is a local wine store and wine bar – largest family owned and operated wine and beer retail in the Triad. Its proprietors are experts in sourcing local, regional, national, and international wines for your enjoyment. They also have a strong passion for local beer and can guide you in the right direction when it comes to our local brewery scene.  Come in and explore small vineyard producers and wineries from all over, including ones right in our backyard. They have some exciting things to share with you, cool events, fun educational classes and more. Book a Home or Virtual Tasting – A fun experience for your friends, clients or employees – offering to any size group. Wine Tasting every Saturday from 4 pm – 6 pm. A tasting of 5 wines, $5.00 for non-members and free for members. THE LOADED GRAPE 2915 Battleground Ave, Suite F Greensboro NC 27408 _____________________________________________________________________________  Greensboro Symphony Guild Membership News Exciting times ahead as we look forward to new opportunities for our Guild membership. Membership renewal notices have been mailed. It is a wonderful time to introduce a friend or neighbor to the Greensboro Symphony Guild. We look forward to more opportunities to share our mission with your friends or simply to engage with your fellow members. Thank you for your continued support and membership. Renew Your Membership by clicking here! _____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Education Campaign The 2023 Annual Education Campaign raised $7,900. This funds are used to support the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra’s educational activities which include: OrKIDStra – Biweekly music classes and annual chamber concerts for four-year-olds in Head Start across multiple counties. Lillian Rauch Beginning Strings Program – A partnership with UNCG String Education department to bring group string lessons to underserved elementary schools. Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra – You may have heard the GSYO Honors Quartet at the Presentation Ball or the Sponsor Appreciation Party. Education Concerts – Nearly 20,000 students from five school districts in four counties experience a concert written especially for them at the Tanger Center. The Annual Education Campaign for 2024 begins this month. We hope you will make a contribution to further support the music education objectives of the Greensboro Symphony Guild. Each year, money raised through contributions to the Annual Education Campaign is distributed to specific music education programs, at the direction of the Guild. The AEC funds music education work that would otherwise go unmet. For your convenience, you may make your contribution at the same time you renew your membership. However, you may make a contribution at any time through December. Contributions may be made in memory or honor of someone special in your life. Donor names and honorees will be published in our Tuned in Tuesday newsletters. Thank you in advance for contributing and supporting this very important initiative. We look forward to having another successful Annual Education Campaign.  Donate by clicking the button above! _____________________________________________________________________________  Golden Antiques & Treasures Update The Guild’s booth (#11) at Golden Antiques and Treasures, 4237 US 220 Summerfield is restocking for summer, as we are open all-year round. We would appreciate your donations of small furniture, pictures, mirrors, home decor, summer decor, beach motif items, picnic items and patriotic theme items. Contact Vicki Steck (336-501-6688 or [email protected]) for pick up or drop off. __________________________________________________________________________ GSO Upcoming Concerts Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert Saturday, June 8 at 7 p.m. Tanger Center Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert Sunday, June 9 at 3 p.m. Tanger Center _____________________________________________________________________________  Stay tuned for our next Tuned in Tuesday delivered to your email box on Tuesday, September 3rd! |
