ANNUAL REPORT | July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008

What a busy and exciting year we had! With the music director search in full swing Symphony League members were more energized and involved than ever. League members played an active role in the selection process in addition to being involved with other numerous projects and activities. All members had an opportunity to meet each of the seven finalists during the year. The visiting conductors were guests at our four general membership meetings, the Past Presidents’ Luncheon, and two coffees hosted by League members. It was an excellent year for fundraising also. Our contributions to the Philharmonic totaled $47,726. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers for making this a banner year!

Administrative

A bylaws change to allow for the recording secretary to serve more than two consecutive one-year terms due to the requisite specialized job skills (i.e., proficiency with the computer and software programs such as Microsoft Word) was proposed by the Board of Directors and passed by the membership.
An ad hoc committee conducted a review of current job descriptions and clarified the responsibilities of the Board of Directors, adding the positions of Ball Chairman and Silent Auction Chairman and eliminating the position of Designer Showhouse Chairman. These proposed changes were passed unanimously by the Board.

Service and Education

Symphony League members are known for their generosity and their hospitality. This year proved no exception.

Once again the League sponsored two post-concert receptions; the first, following the September Master Series Concert featuring winners of the 2007 Arthur Fraser Piano Concerto Competition, and the second, following the March concert. League members provided a wonderful assortment of delicious food for the receptions.
All Master Series guest artists were presented with a welcome basket.
The League contributed $1500 toward the Young People’s Concerts held in February and provided refreshments for the musicians on concert days.
The League sponsored the 2008 Arthur Fraser International Piano Concerto Competition in conjunction with the University of South Carolina School of Music’s Southeastern Piano Festival held in June. In addition to the League’s $4000 contribution, many volunteers assisted with the festival. Mrs. Arthur Fraser was recognized by the League during the winners’ concert.
The League contributed $1226 to the South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestras. These funds were raised at the Past Presidents’ Luncheon held in April.

Projects

Our two major fund raisers for 2007-2008 were the First Chair Gourmet Parties
held throughout the year, and the Valentine Ball held in February. These projects
involved not only League members and their spouses but also numerous other
Midlands residents. The events were entertaining, highly successful, and
instrumental in raising an awareness of the South Carolina Philharmonic and the
Symphony League in the community.

The League sponsored 13 First Chair events during the year. Generous hosts and co-hosts covered the cost of each event, yielding a profit of $21,400. After the costs of printing and mailing the First Chair booklet were deducted, 13 the total profit was $19, 961.
The Valentine Ball, back by popular demand, was held on February 14 at the Columbia Marriott. More than 200 guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing to the music of the Dick Goodwin Band, and entertainment provided by other arts groups in the community. A silent auction added to the festivities and provided additional revenue. The profits from this gala totaled $16,424 after all expenses were paid.

Special Events

In October, the League hosted the Southeastern Orchestra Volunteer Association’s 3rd Annual Roundtable. A League member who serves as Vice President of SOVA coordinated the event, while other League members were involved in local arrangements. The Roundtable included a presentation on the Arthur Fraser Piano Concerto Competition and a delicious lunch provided by League members.
The Past Presidents’ Luncheon was held at Forest Lake Club in April. This event raised $1226 for the South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestras.
Members of the League hosted two coffees in October and in March to give our membership an opportunity to meet music director finalists who were not in town for our general meetings or the Past Presidents’ Luncheon.

Endowment

Our Endowment Fund has continued to grow. We were able to present a check for $19,000 in May to the South Carolina Philharmonic from the Endowment Fund.

Membership

We currently have over 300 members in the Symphony League.
In accordance with the restructuring and revised job descriptions proposed and approved by the Board of Directors 2006-2007, the First Vice President and the Membership Chairman coordinated membership recruitment and retention. The First Vice President assumed responsibility for welcoming and mentoring new members and hosting a new member orientation. The Membership Chairman was responsible for all administrative duties, including the membership database.
Four general membership meetings were held in September, November, January, and March, in addition to the annual business meeting and installation of officers in May. Music director finalists were guests at our general membership meetings, as well as featured guest artists. All meetings were well attended.

Communications

In an attempt to expand communications, the League published five issues of the Crescendo last year (September/October, November/December, January/February, March/April/May, and June/July/August).
Frequent e-mail announcements enhanced communication with board members, as well as the general membership.
A new and updated website was launched. The website has led to queries from potential members.
Media coverage of League projects and fundraising activities promoted greater community awareness.

It was a pleasure serving as your president this past year. I want to thank each of you for your support, commitment, and tireless efforts on behalf of the Symphony League and the South Carolina Philharmonic. Working together we have accomplished much. Thanks, my friends, for a job well done!

Lynn L. Hodge
2007-2008 President