HISTORY

The first reference to the Symphony Belles Committee (no Junior Committee) was made in the yearbook. It replaced the Junior Committee. There were six Board of Directors’ meetings, four coffees for the entire membership, in addition to an Annual Meeting held in May. There were also four music appreciation luncheons, four youth concerts and four subscription concerts. The newsletter, Crescendo, was produced.

Puppetry was added to the Education programs. The second Designer Show House at the corner of Glenwood and Trenholm Roads was held.

The first yearbook dedication was to the past presidents in honor of the WSA’s 15 th year. Audrey Baird of the ASOL visited Columbia to speak at the Season Ticket Sales Kick-Off tea. Life memberships increased to 46.

Although it was not changed in the by-laws, the purpose was restated on the cover page of the yearbook: “The sole purpose of the Women’s Symphony Association is to provide the additional income for the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra through our yearly projects. Each year, the WSA strives to expand and improve the cultural and educational benefits the community derives from its symphony orchestra. Only through the dedication and hard work of our membership can we achieve our goals.” The Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra and the South Carolina Chamber Orchestra joined forces to create the Palmetto State Orchestra Association with Dr. Einar Anderson as the first full time conductor.

Two years of annual reports from key chairs were included in the yearbook. The ASID Designer Show House was chaired by Mrs. Ralston Van Zandt. The Boylston House at 829 Richland Street originally was scheduled for spring of 1982, but was delayed until the fall of 1982. The Show House was sponsored in partnership with the Governor’s Mansion Foundation.

The history of the founding of the WSA was included in the yearbook. The Show House was scheduled for spring, 1984. The 5th Annual Margaret Roberts Memorial Concert was held in Keenan Auditorium. The first series of First Chair Gourmet events occurred. The fourth ASID Designer Show House (April 1984) was the home of Pat Nelson on the Saluda River. Committee reports were included in the yearbook for Community Special Services, Auditions, Symphony Belles, Education, Projects, and Season Tickets.

Administrative Functions were described in the yearbook. The fourth ASID Show House was held April 13 th – May 5 th.

The 1 st Vice President was shown as the President-Elect; the 2 nd Vice President was responsible for programs; and the 3 rd Vice President was in charge of Special Projects. Projects included the Symphony Suppers after the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra performances. In return for patronage, participating restaurants donated a portion of their profits to the Orchestra. First Chair Gourmet; sales of South Carolina note cards; and the 1 st Silent Film Festival were major fundraising events. Old silent films were shown with orchestra musicians playing the original sound track.

Projects included the fifth ASID Designer Show House with Mrs. Ernest P. McCutcheon serving as chairperson. The First Chair Gourmet entered its fourth year with parties held from January through March. The Symphony Suppers, a new assortment of WSA note cards, cookie sales and drinks at Mayfest were major fundraising activities. Special events included the WSA Designer Show House, a preview party and Annual Gala at the Coliseum held on February 6, 1987. Membership Dues were $15 for active members, $25 for associates, $100 for life members plus a $5.00 annual charge. The Young Artist competition was held for the 22 nd straight year. An amount of $5,448 was added to the Endowment and $15,000 to the Orchestra.

Projects included the 6 th annual First Chair Gourmet events and the selling of WSA note cards. Special events included a new member coffee and the Annual Gala held on Friday, February 17, 1989. Community functions included the Young Artists Competition, Education, Special Services, Symphony Belles, and Volunteer Helpers. The name of the organization was changed to the Symphony League of the South Carolina Orchestra Association. A new logo was designed by Jerry Cole of Columbia.

The Designer Show House was chaired by Ann (Mrs. Robert R.) Henry. Her committee planned for the 1991 - 1992 Show House event. An organizational chart was included in the yearbook. Projects included the First Chair Gourmet events and note card sales. Special events included the new member coffee; the Youth Concert; the Annual Gala held at the Carolina Coliseum on Friday, January 15, 1991. The Past Presidents’ Luncheon was held in March 1991.

Robert Kemsley, Resident Conductor, and Catherine Cornet, Artistic Advisor for the South Carolina Orchestra Association, and five guest conductors were introduced to the orchestra during the year. Community functions included three youth concerts, the Young Artist and Junior Artist Competition, the Past Presidents’ luncheon and fashion show, and the Symphony Ball. Projects included the First Chair Gourmet events; note card sales, the Holiday Tour of Homes, and the Designer Show House.

A vertical yearbook was produced. Five general meetings, plus the May annual meeting were held. Activities were the First Chair Gourmet events, the 9 th Annual Designer Show House (which was the DeBruhl-Marshall House at 1401 Laurel Street), the Holiday Tour of Homes (which was held Sunday December 12, 1993 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Gregg Park), the Past Presidents’ Fashion Show and Luncheon held on March 25, 1994 at The Palmetto Club, and the Symphony Ball, held on October 29, 1993 with the theme of “Under the Canopy.” Susan Benesh and Claude Scarborough served as event co-chairs. By-laws included life membership at a cost of $150. An advisory committee of past presidents was established to assist the President. Nicholas Smith was welcomed as the new Music Director of the newly named South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra (previously South Carolina Orchestra Association).

Five general membership meetings, plus the annual meeting in May were held. Projects included the Symphony Ball held on October 28, 1994 with the South Carolina Philharmonic Board. A Tour of Homes was held in the Wildewood area on December 11, 1994. First Chair Gourmet events were held, as well as Music Education for the Community; Young People’s Concerts on February 7 and 8, 1995, the Junior and Young Artist Competition, and four Youth Orchestra Concerts. Events included the Past Presidents’ Fashion Show and Luncheon. A by-laws change was made to the life member dues structure with $100 of the $150 in dues earmarked for the Endowment Fund and $50 to the general operating account.

The League celebrated its 30 th anniversary and edition of the yearbook. Four general membership meetings plus the May annual meeting were held. Projects included Sunday Sweet Sunday with a Mother-Daughter Tea and Special Fashion Show, described as an event to celebrate the “Bonds of Love.” It was held on Sunday, October 22, 1995 at 4:00 p.m. at The Summit Club. The 10 th Annual Designer Show House, “A Jewel in Our Midst,” was held at the Law Firm of James Anders at Blanding and Sumter Streets. The Past Presidents’ Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon was held as well as the Young Artist Competition, Music Education for the Youth on February 6 and 7, 1996 with the Junior Artist winner later performing with the Orchestra. October 13, 1995 featured “An African American Heritage;” and a January 19, 1996 show called the “Laser Educational Program.” Four Youth Orchestra concerts were held. The Orchestra Board sponsored the Symphony Ball on March 1, 1996 at the Carolina Coliseum.

Four general membership meetings, plus the May annual meeting were conducted. Dues were increased to $25 for active members, $35 for associate members, and $250 for life members. The by-laws were changed to reflect the dues apportionment for life members ($100 to the Endowment and $150 to the general operating account). The by-laws were further changed to read: “The purpose of this League shall be to foster, promote, and increase musical knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts in the community, and to cooperate with and support the South Carolina Philharmonic.” Projects were the Holiday Tour of Homes; First Chair Gourmet events held from February to April, 1997, the Past Presidents’ Fashion Show and Luncheon held in the spring of 1997, the Junior and Youth Artist Competition, and Music Education for the Youth held on February 4, 1997.

The League held four general meetings plus the May annual meeting. Projects were the 11 th Annual Designer Show House, which was the Edens-Smith House on Heyward Street. A “Used Treasures Sale” was held on October 17 and 18, 1997. The Designers’ Delights and Past Presidents’ Fashion Show and Luncheon were big events. Education focused on the Junior and Young Artist Competition and the Young People’s Concerts held on February 3 and 4, 1998. Grades K-5 were invited. There were four Youth Orchestra Concerts.

Three general meetings plus the May annual meeting were held. Projects were the “Used Treasures Sale”, the Designer Show House planning for 2000, First Chair Gourmet events, and the Past Presidents’ Luncheon. Education included the Arthur Fraser Young Artist Competition for pianists held on May 15, 2000, Music Education for the Youth held February 9 -10, 1999 for Grades K-5, and three Youth Orchestra Concerts.

Three general membership meetings, plus the May annual meeting were held. Projects included the 12 th Annual Designer Show House held in the spring of 2000 at the Hampton-Preston Mansion. There was a Preview Party and special night for sponsors and advertisers. First Chair Gourmet events, the Past Presidents’ Luncheon, and the Arthur Fraser Young Artist Competition were also held. Music Education for the Youth events were held February 8 – 9, 2000 with students K-5 invited. There were three Youth Orchestra Concerts.

The Symphony Ball in conjunction with Philharmonic Board was held. The Past Presidents’ Luncheon was held on March 29, 2001. Education programs included the Arthur Fraser Competition with the winner performing with the Philharmonic. Music Education for the Youth was held on February 25 - 27, 2001 with K - 5 students invited. Three Youth Orchestra concerts were held.

The League hosted four general meetings, plus the May annual meeting. A suitable show house was not found. Focus was on First Chair Gourmet Parties and the Past Presidents’ Luncheon. Education included the Arthur Fraser Competition, Music Education for the Youth on February 26 and 27, 2002, and three Youth Orchestra Concerts.

The League sponsored four general membership meetings, plus the May annual meeting. Projects were: “In Perfect Time – Roses and Wine”, a wine tasting party held in April 2004. The League did not host First Chair Gourmet events, but rather focused fundraising efforts on the “Win a Lexus - Sponsor a Concert” project. The Arthur Fraser Competition was held on February 7, 2004 with three winners selected. These winners performed with the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra at the April 24, 2004 Master Concert, with an audience choice recipient named at the conclusion of the concert. Arrangements were made to collaborate with the University of South Carolina Southeastern Piano Festival. It was agreed that beginning in 2005, the Arthur Fraser Competition would be held at the end of the Festival in June. Music Education for the Youth, the 2nd “Shakespeare in Music,” and Young People’s Concerts were held on February 4 and 5, 2004. Three Youth and Cadet Orchestra Concerts were held with the third being a “side by side” with the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra at Master Series Number Seven. Other activities included the new member coffee, support for the second year of the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Rhapsody in Bloom, and the Past Presidents’ Luncheon held in November of 2003. A check in the amount of $13,500 from Endowment plus $10,000 from Special Projects was presented to the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra for operating expenses. In addition, $1,400 from the Past Presidents’ Luncheon went to support the Youth Orchestra.

Three general meetings plus the May annual meeting were held. The 14 th Annual Designer Show House was held at the Heyward-Sims House at 1329 Blanding Street. Chairperson Pamela Adkins included several firsts: an October Bare Bones Party, which was a casual event with blue-grass music, chili, a local artists’ exhibit and sale, and the addition of a Show House Patrons category that allowed individual donations of $125 with recognition in the program and admission to all events. Special Events such as lectures, tea, and demonstrations were also held in conjunction with the Show House. Twelve First Chair Gourmet events were held along with the Past Presidents’ Luncheon on March 10, 2005. The Arthur Fraser Piano Concerto was held at the conclusion of University of South Carolina’s School of Music’s Southeastern Piano Festival in June 2005. The winner performed with the Philharmonic. The League assisted with the Young People’s Concerts and the third “Shakespeare in Music” mentoring program. New members were encouraged to participate more fully in League activities. A new web site was launched (www.scsymphonyleague.com). E-mail was used to transmit board information, as well as information to the general membership as appropriate. Consistent use of our logo was adopted to include fonts and color (p.m.s. #319). The League presented the Philharmonic with $14,500 from Endowment, $20,000 from Special Projects, budgeted $1,500 for Young Peoples Concerts, and $450 from the Past Presidents’ Luncheon earmarked for the Youth Orchestra.

The League celebrated 40 years of “Making Music Happen” at a fall luncheon. Specially designed scarves, car decals, and gold seals for all mailings were produced and used throughout the year. Three general membership meetings plus the May Annual Meeting was held. The Mozart Festival Ball and ten First Chair Gourmet events were held. The Arthur Fraser Piano Concerto Competition was held in June 2005 with the University of South Carolina’s School of Music’s Southeastern Piano Concerto Festival. The winner performed with the Philharmonic at a Master Series Concert. A $4,000 contribution was made to support the competition. The League assisted with and supported with funding in the amount of $1,500 for the Young People’s Concerts and $1,400 for the Youth Orchestras. The League hosted two after-concert receptions, participated as a sponsor of the Midlands Mozart Festival and the Mozart Birthday Bash Concert. The website, E-mail and four Crescendos were used for general membership and board communication. The League presented the Philharmonic with $16,000 from the Endowment and $18,500 from Special Projects.

Four General Membership Meetings with guest artists plus the May Annual Business Meeting were coordinated. A committee revised the board job descriptions. Ten highly successful First Chair Gourmet Events were held throughout the year. The very successful Valentine Ball was held February 14, 2007 at The Radisson. The Ball included a large silent auction, a queen, entertainment, and a sit down dinner. The Valentine Ball was adopted as a yearly event to replace the Show House. The Arthur Fraser Piano Concerto Competition was held in June 2007. Winners performed with the Philharmonic at the September 2007 Master Series Concert. A $4,000 contribution by the League was given to the winners. The League assisted with and supported funding of the Young People’s Concerts with a $1,500 contribution and the Youth Orchestras in the amount of $1,289, which was the profit from the Past Presidents’ Luncheon. Two after-concert receptions were sponsored. The League was a participant and sponsor of the Midlands “Now This Is Columbia” Arts Festival. The website (www.scsymphonyleague.com), E-mail and four Crescendos were used for general membership and board communications. A donation in the amount of $17,500 from Endowment was presented to the Philharmonic, and $27,000 from Special Projects was also donated.

The search for a new Music Director for the Philharmonic culminated with the selection of Maestro Morihiko Nakahara. The League was active in the selection process. All members had an opportunity to meet the seven music director finalists at the general membership meetings, two coffees hosted by the League, and the Past Presidents’ Luncheon. Four General Membership Meetings plus Annual Business Meeting were held. The Valentine Ball was held in February 2008, and thirteen First Chair Gourmet events were held throughout the year yielding profits of $36,385. The Arthur Fraser Piano Concerto Competition became an international competition. It was held in June 2008. Winners performed with the Philharmonic at a Master Series Concert on October 25, 2008 and $4,000 was contributed by the League to help with the cost of the event. League members assisted with the Young People’s Concerts in February 2008 and a $1,500 contribution was made by the League to support the concerts. The League supported the Youth Orchestras with a $1,226 contribution raised at Past Presidents’ Luncheon in April 2008. The League sponsored two post-concert receptions following the September 2007 and March 2008 Master Series concerts. Communication was increased with five Crescendo mailings, an updated website (www.scsymphonyleague.com) and frequent E-mails. Contributions to the Philharmonic included $19,000 from the Endowment Fund and $26,000 from Special Projects in addition to contributions for the Young People’s Concerts and Youth Orchestras. Contributions totaled $47,726.

This was the inaugural season for Music Director Morihiko Nakahara and the 45 th anniversary of the South Carolina Philharmonic. Four general memberships meetings featuring Maestro Nakahara and various guest artists plus the Annual Business Meeting was held. Projects such as the Valentine Ball held in February and fourteen First Chair Gourmet events were held throughout the year yielding profits of over $25,000. The Arthur Fraser International Piano Concerto Competition was held in conjunction with University of South Carolina’s School of Music's Southeastern Piano Festival in June 2009. Winners performed with the Philharmonic. The first place winner performed at the Masterworks Concert, January 2010. A $4,000 contribution was given by the League who also assisted with the Young People's Concerts in February 2009. A $1,500 contribution was made also. The League supported the Youth Orchestras with a $1,000 contribution raised at the Past Presidents' Luncheon in April 2009. The League sponsored two post-concert receptions following the October 2008 and March 2009 Master Series Concerts. Five Crescendo mailings, an updated website and frequent E-mails kept League members and Philharmonic board members informed.

The League improved operating standards by adopting a policies and procedures manual. Four general membership meetings were held. An afternoon annual meeting was held in May. Our total project income was $22,246.39. Pursuant to our operating procedures, we donated ¼ of that revenue to the Symphony League Endowment. That amount was $5,561.59, which resulted in the remaining balance of $16,684.80 being given as a direct contribution to the SCP. The Endowment also donated $17,000 to the SCP. The Arthur Fraser International Piano Concerto Competition was held in conjunction with University of South Carolina’s School of Music's International Piano Festival in June 2010. Winners performed with the Philharmonic. The League sponsored two post-concert receptions following Master Series Concerts. Five Crescendo mailings, an updated website and frequent E-mails kept League members and Philharmonic board members informed. The website was revamped and updated with photographs and additional news.