HISTORY

Affiliation with the American Symphony Orchestra League (ASOL) showed the
young Columbia Festival Orchestra the importance of women’s groups to help
promote and support the orchestra’s activities. At a meeting of the Board of the
Orchestra’s Association on March 17, 1965, Dr. Robert Ochs moved that the
President, Frank Sloan, appoint the women who were members of that Board as
a committee to make plans to organize such a women’s group. These women
were: Mrs. Alva Lumpkin, Mrs. Norman Arnold, Mrs. Cyril Busbee, Mrs.
Marjorie Stands, and Mrs. R. E. L. Freeman.

1965 - 1966	Mrs. Alva Lumpkin was appointed Chair and is due much appreciation for her organizational work. Early in the summer of 1965, a group of 28 Columbia women were invited to serve as a steering committee. After numerous meetings and a visit from Mrs. Fitzgerald Parker, National President of the Women’s Council of ASOL, Marjorie Stands was chosen as temporary Chair. On September 17, 1965, a meeting was held to choose other temporary officers, committee chairs, and to plan a membership drive. On October 1, 1965, Mrs. Robert E. McNair and the Women’s Symphony Association invited a large number of Columbia women to a morning coffee in the Governor’s Mansion. Of 135 women attending the coffee party, 92 joined at the time. During the 1965- 66 year, the membership grew to 166 charter members. By May of 1966, Bylaws had been adopted, committees planned, and much work done. Marjorie Stands was elected President of the Women’s Symphony Association. The Columbia Festival Orchestra, Dr. Arthur Fraser, Music Director, held performances in various venues, including Township and Dreher Auditoriums, as well as Fort Jackson Playhouse.
1967 - 1968	The first yearbook, first Benefit and Educational projects, Junior Committee, Music Club, Speaker’s Bureau, and a large Youth Concerts committee were implemented.
1968 - 1969	First Symphony Belles Committee (no Junior Committee) appeared in yearbook. There were 6 Board of Directors meetings, 4 coffees for entire membership, in addition to the Annual Meeting in May; and 4 Music Appreciation Luncheons. There were 4 youth concerts and 4 subscription concerts. The newsletter Crescendo began.
1971 - 1972	Auditions Committee appears. Benefit projects include W.S.A. Notes, Polo Matches, Guy Lombardo and an Antique Show. Education (music appreciation) Luncheons continued, as did Symphony Belles, Season Tickets, and Youth Concerts. There were 4 Crescendo issues. Dr. John A. Bauer was Acting Musical Director of the Columbia Festival Orchestra with Skitch Henderson and Michael Lee as guest conductors and featuring William Warfield, Lee Luvisi, and Dorothy Kirsten as guest artists.
1973 - 1974	By-laws were included in the yearbook with the purpose: “To foster, promote, and increase musical knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts; to cooperate with and support 15 the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra for the benefit of the community, acting in cooperation with and subject to the authority granted by the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra Association.” Membership classifications were established for Active, Associate (without specific dues amount), Life is $100, Honorary is vote of Board of Directors. Membership limited to 400 with candidates for membership proposed by a member and endorsed by at least one Board member. WSA congratulated the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra on its 10th anniversary, Dr. Arpad Darazs, Conductor. The Endowment Fund was created in January, 1974 as a means of assisting the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra in bringing the pleasure of good music to everyone in our area. The Endowment Fund is authorized to accept gifts, bequests, and memorials from both individuals and corporate donors. All categories of gifts to the Endowment Fund are tax deductible. 25% of all fund raising projects go into the Endowment, as do 100% of the $100 life membership dues.
1974 - 1975	Name of organization changed to The Women’s Symphony Association of the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra. There are 5 Life Members, one Honorary Life Member, and one Honorary Member. Benefit projects were ‘A Night in Old Vienna’ and ‘Symphony Dinner Dance’. Of the Orchestra’s three classical performances, two were held in Dreher Auditorium and one in the Fort Jackson Playhouse.
1975 - 1976	The Women’s Symphony Association of the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra is ten (10) years old.
1976 - 1977	Symphony Belles purpose: “To promote an interest in music and, acting in cooperation with the Women’s Symphony Association, to support the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra.” Each year the Belles donate 2 scholarships to the WSA scholarship competition for young musicians. Belles’ membership is limited to 30, and daughters and granddaughters of WSA members are given priority. Endowment Fund gift categories are: In memory of - any amount; In honor of - any amount; Life Member (WSA) - $100; Contributor - up to $49; Patron - $50 to $199; Benefactor - $200 and up; Bequests - cash, real estate, insurance policies, or securities. Life members expand to 18. Special events were Symphony Cooking Class, Symphony Belles Fashion Show and Symphony Dinner Dance.
1977 - 1978	Special Events included a gala “Columbia Mall Opening” and Symphony Belles Fashion Show. First Designer Showhouse (Wheat & Harden) chair was Arlene Polensky. Newspaper supplement edition project involved the planning and implementing of a 16-page newspaper supplement distributed statewide with The State and the Columbia Record newspapers.
1978 - 1979	Columbia Philharmonic orchestra moves to Township Auditorium for the 1978-79 season. Life members increase to 28 and there are many Associate Members. Benefit projects include a Symphony Belles Fashion Show and an Encore Shop.
1979 - 1980	Puppetry was added to the Education programs. Second Designer Showhouse, corner of Glenwood & Trenholm Roads, was held.
1980 - 1981	First yearbook dedication was to the past presidents in honor of WSA’s 15th year. Audrey Baird of ASOL visited Columbia to speak at the Season Ticket Sales Kick-Off tea. Life members increased to 46.
1981 - 1982	Although it was not changed in the By-Laws, the Purpose was restated on the cover page of the year book: “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.” 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.
1982 - 1983	Two years of annual reports from key chairs were included in the yearbook. ASID Designer Showhouse (3rd) chaired by Mrs. Ralston VanZandt (Boylston House, 829 Richland) was scheduled for spring 1982 but was in fact delayed until the fall of 1982 . This was sponsored in partnership with the Governor’s Mansion Foundation.
1983 - 1984	History of the founding of the WSA included in yearbook. Showhouse was scheduled for spring, 1984. 5th Annual Margaret Roberts Memorial Concert held in Keenan Auditorium. The first series of 1st Chair Gourmet events occurred. 4th ASID Designer Showhouse (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.
1984 - 1985	Administrative Functions were described in the yearbook. The 4th Showhouse (ASID) April 13 – May 5 was held.
1985 - 1986	1st VP shown as President-Elect; 2ndVP (Programs); 3rdVP (Projects). Projects were: Symphony Suppers after South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra performances (In return for patronage, participating restaurants donated a portion of their profit to the Orchestra.); First Chair Gourmet (3rd year); sales of South Carolina Note Cards; and the 1st Silent Film Festival. (Old silent films were shown with orchestra musicians playing the original sound track.)
1986 - 1987	Projects were: 5th Designer Showhouse (ASID) Mrs. Ernest P. McCutcheon, Chair; First Chair Gourmet (4th year) parties from January through March; Symphony Suppers (after concert 2nd year); WSA Note Cards with new assortment; sold cookies and drinks at Mayfest; Special Events: WSA Designer Showhouse Preview Party and Annual Gala at the Coliseum, February 6, 1987. Membership Dues: $15 Active, $25 associate, $100 Life member plus $5.00 annual charge. Young Artist competition for 22nd straight year. Added $5,448 to WAS Endowment and $15,000 to the Orchestra.
1987 - 1988	Yearbook included President’s annual report of previous year. Functions: Young Artists Competition, Education (sponsored youth concerts and scheduled informative programs for mature audiences), Special Services, Symphony Belles. Projects: 1988 (6th) Designer Showhouse, Marjorie Stands, Chair, scheduled for April 22 – May 14, 1988; First Chair Gourmet December 15, 1987 – February 15, 1988. WSA Note Cards; Annual Gala, February 19, 1988 at Carolina Coliseum.
1988 - 1989	Projects: First Chair Gourmet (6th annual); WSA Note Cards. Special Events: New Member Coffee, Annual Gala Friday, February 17, 1989. Community Functions: Young Artists Competition, Education, Special Services, Symphony Belles, and Volunteer Helpers. Name of the organization changed to: Symphony League of the South Carolina Orchestra Association. A new logo was designed by Jerry Cole of Columbia.
1989 - 1990	New logo appears on yearbook cover. Six general membership meetings plus annual meeting in May. Projects: First Chair Gourmet; 7th Designer Showhouse (Sims-Stackhouse, 511 Laurel St.); Note Cards with planning underway for a Summer Music Camp for Children. Special Events: New Member Coffee; Youth Concert, Annual Gala Friday, February 16, 1990 Carolina Coliseum. Community Functions: Auditions, Education, Special Services and Volunteer Helpers. Life Membership Dues increased from $100 to $150. All concerts are held in The Koger Center.
1990 - 1991	Designer Showhouse Chair, Ann (Mrs. Robert R.) Henry planned for 1991-92 showhouse. Organizational Chart in yearbook; Projects: First Chair Gourmet, Note Cards. Special Events: New member coffee; Youth Concert; Annual Gala—Carolina Coliseum, Friday 1/15/91; Past Presidents’ Luncheon, March 1991.
1991 - 1992	Yearbook includes tribute to Maestro Einar W. Anderson. 8th Designer Showhouse Chair, Rebecca (Mrs. George C.) Faulk. Education Committee sponsored three concerts for 6,000 4th grade students from Richland and Lexington Counties. The Junior Artist winner of the YA Competition was the featured soloist, Claire Bryant, cellist. Events: Past Presidents’ fashion show and luncheon to benefit the Youth Orchestra, Symphony Ball February 28, 1992 at Carolina Coliseum. Projects: Designer Showhouse, May 1992; First Chair Gourmet; Note Cards Sales; Holiday Tour of Homes December 8, 1991 (1:00 to 6:00). Highlights include tour of USC president John Palms’ home, and Festival of Lessons and Carols at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
1992 - 1993	Robert Kemsley, Resident Conductor, and Catherine Cornet, Artistic Advisor of SC Orchestra Assn. (Five guest Conductors were introduced to the orchestra during this year.) Community Functions: Education – 3 youth concerts; Young Artist and Junior Artist Competition; Past Presidents’ luncheon and fashion show; Symphony Ball. Projects Planned: First Chair Gourmet; Note Cards; Holiday Tour of Homes; Designer Showhouse.
1993 - 1994	Vertical yearbook. 5 general meetings plus May annual meeting. Activities: First Chair Gourmet; 9th Designer Showhouse (DeBruhl-Marshall House, 1401 Laurel Street), Holiday Tour of Homes, Sunday December 12, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Gregg Park; Past Presidents’ Fashion Show and Luncheon, March 25, Palmetto Club; Symphony Ball, Oct. 29, 1993 “Under the Canopy”, Susan Benesh and Claude Scarborough, co-chairs. By laws include Life Membership - $150. Advisory Committee of Past Presidents established to assist the President. Nicholas Smith welcomed as new Music Director of the newly named South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra (previously South Carolina Orchestra Association).
1994 - 1995	Five General Membership meetings plus May annual Meeting. Projects: Symphony Ball, October 28, 1994 with SCP Board; Tour of Homes, December 11, 1994 (WildeWood area); First Chair Gourmet. Music Education for the Community: Young People’s concerts, Feb 7 & 8, 1995; Junior and Young artist Competition; 4 Youth Orchestra Concerts. Events: Past Presidents’ Fashion Show and Luncheon. By-laws change: Life member dues of $150 contribute $100 to the Endowment Fund and $50 to the Operating Fund.
1995 - 1996	Thirtieth anniversary and edition of the yearbook. Four general membership meetings plus May annual meeting. Projects: Sunday Sweet Sunday with a Mother-Daughter Tea and Special Fashion Show – event celebrates the “Bonds of Love” Sunday, 10 22-95, 4:00, Summit Club; 10th Designer Showhouse- A Jewel in Our Midst-Jim Anders House at Blanding & Sumter. Past Presidents’ Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon. Education: Junior and Youth Artist Competition, Music Education for the Youth Feb 6 & 7 with Junior Artist winner performing; 10-13-95,“An African American Heritage”, 1-19-96, “Laser Educational Program”; 4 Youth Orchestra concerts. Orchestra Board sponsored the Symphony Ball, March 1, 1996, Carolina Coliseum.
1996 - 1997	Four general Membership meetings plus May annual meeting; Dues increase to $25 active member and $35 Associate Member, $250 Life member. By-laws changed for Life Member ($100 to Endowment, $150 to Operating Fund). Change in By-laws 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: Holiday Tour of Homes; First Chair Gourmet Feb – April, 1997, Past Presidents’ Fashion Show and Luncheon Spring, 1997. Education: Junior and Youth Artist Competition; Music Education for the Youth, 2-04-97.
1997 - 1998	Four general meetings plus May annual meeting. Projects: 11th Designer Showhouse (Edens-Smith House, Heyward St; Used Treasures Sale (10-17 & 18); Designers’ Delights; Past Presidents’ Fashion Show and Luncheon. Education: Junior and Young Artist Competition, Young People’s Concerts, Feb 3 & 4 –grades K-5 invited; 4 Youth Orchestra Concerts. By-laws Change: dues and amounts included—$25 Active, $35 Associate.
1998 - 1999	Three general meetings plus May annual meeting. Projects: Used Treasures Sale; Designer Showhouse planning for 2000; First Chair Gourmet; Past Presidents’ Luncheon. Education: Arthur Fraser Young Artist Competition for pianists, May 15, 2000: Music Education for the Youth, Feb 9-10, Grades K-5; 3 Youth Orchestra Concerts.
1999 - 2000	Three general membership meetings plus May annual meeting. Projects: 12th Designer Showhouse, Hampton-Preston Mansion, Spring 2000 w/ Preview Party and special night for sponsors and advertisers; 1st Chair Gourmet; Past Presidents’ Luncheon. Arthur Fraser Young Artist Competition. Music Education for the Youth – Feb 8 & 9, K-5 invited. 3 Youth Orchestra Concerts.
2000 - 2001	Projects: Symphony Ball in conjunction with Philharmonic Board; Past Presidents’ Luncheon, March 29, 2001. Education Arthur Fraser Competition winner to perform with the SCPO. Music Education for the Youth, Feb 25 & 27, K-5. 3 Youth Orchestra concerts.
2001 - 2002	Four general meetings, plus May annual meeting: (unable to find suitable showhouse). Projects: First Chair Gourmet Parties; Past Presidents’ Luncheon. Education: Arthur Fraser Competition; Music Education for the Youth, Feb 26 & 27, 9:45 and 11:15 a.m.; 3 Youth Orchestra Concerts.
2002 - 2003	Three general meetings plus May annual meeting. Projects: First Chair Gourmet – events spread throughout the year (Sept – April) rather than limited to 2 month period as in previous years; 13th Designer Showhouse (Pelham-Simmons House, 333 Old Woodlands Road), Pamela Adkins, Chair; Past Presidents Luncheon, Feb 27, 2003. Education: Arthur Fraser Competition, with 5 winners performing at “Mozart at the Museum” series for an Audience Choice Award; “Shakespeare in Music” premiered Oct. 22 & 23 with SCPO and SC Shakespeare CO collaborating and Symphony League members assisting; Young People’s Concerts, Feb 25 & 26. 3 Youth Orchestra Concerts. By-laws changed to have current year Nominating Comm. Chair serve as a member of the upcoming committee. The Board will elect a chair and 2 members with general membership electing the 5th member at the May General Meeting. Events: New Member coffee; supported SCPO with its “Rhapsody in Bloom” Fundraiser. Presented $13,500 from Foundation to SCPO to sponsor fully a Master Concert and to support “Shakespeare in Music”.
2003 - 2004	Four general meetings plus May annual meeting. Projects: “In Perfect Time – Roses and Wine” wine tasting party, April 2004; “Win a Lexus - sponsor a concert” project. Education: The Arthur Fraser Competition, Feb 7, 3 winners selected and performed with SCPO on April 24th Master Concert, with audience choice recipient named at conclusion of the concert. Arrangements were made to collaborate with the USC Southeastern Piano Festival. Beginning with 2005 year, the Arthur Fraser Competition will be held at the end of the Festival in June; Music Education for the Youth, 2nd “Shakespeare in Music”; Young People’s Concerts held Feb 4 & 5; and 3 Youth and Cadet Orchestra Concerts. The 3rd was “side by side” with SCPO at Master Series Number 7. Events: New Member coffee; supported SCPO “Rhapsody in Bloom” for 2nd year; Past Presidents’ Luncheon, November 2003. Presented $13,500 from Endowment plus $10,000 from Projects to SCPO for operating expenses and $1,400 from the Past Presidents’ Luncheon went to support the Youth Orchestra.
2004 - 2005	Three general meetings plus May annual meeting. Projects: 14th Designer Showhouse 1329 Blanding Street (Heyward-Sims House) Pamela Adkins, Chair included several firsts: Bare Bones party (casual w/ blue-grass music, chili, local artist exhibit & sale, in October); Showhouse Patrons ($125 and name in program, admission to all events); Special Events such as lectures, tea, and demonstrations. 12 First Chair Gourmet events and Past Presidents’ Luncheon, March 10th. Education: Arthur Fraser Piano Concerto was held at the conclusion of USC School of Music’s Southeastern Piano Festival in June. The Winner will perform with Philharmonic. Assisted with Young People’s concerts and 3rd Shakespeare in Music Mentoring program started to include new members in League activities. Web site: www.scsymphonyleague.com. E-mail used to transmit Board information, as well to general membership as appropriate. Began consistent use of our logo, fonts and color (p.m.s. #319). Presented Philharmonic with $14,500 from Endowment, $20,000 from Projects, and a budgeted $1,500 for Young Peoples Concerts. $450 from Past Presidents’ Luncheon to Youth Orchestra.
2005 - 2006	Celebration of 40 years of “Making Music Happen” Fall Luncheon, specially designed scarves, car decals, gold seals for all mailings. 3 General Meetings plus May Annual Meeting. Projects: Mozart Festival Ball and 10 First Chair Gourmet Events, which were held throughout the year. Education: Arthur Fraser Piano Concerto Competition was held in June with USC School of Music’s Southeastern Piano Concerto Festival. The winner will perform with the Philharmonic at a Master Series Concert. $4,000 contribution by the League. Assisted with and supported with funding the Young People’s Concerts, $1,500, and the Youth Orchestras, $1,400. Two after-concert receptions; participant and sponsor of the midlands Mozart Festival and the Mozart Birthday Bash Concert. Website: www.scsymphonyleague.com, email and 4 Crescendos used for general membership and board communication.Continued use of logo and Symphony League color. Presented Philharmonic $16,000 from Endowment and $18,500 from Fund Raising Projects.
2006 - 2007	Four General Membership Meetings with guest artists plus May Annual Business Meeting. Revised Board Job Descriptions. Projects: 10 highly successful First Chair Gourmet Events were held throughout the year. The Valentine Ball was held February 14 at the Radisson, which included a large silent auction, a queen, entertainment, and a sit down dinner. It was a successful fund raiser. The Valentine Ball proposed as a yearly event. Education: Arthur Fraser Piano Concerto Competition was held in June with USC School of Music’s Southeastern Piano Concerto Festival. The Winners will perform with the Philharmonic at the September Master Series Concert. $4,000 contribution by the League. Assisted with and supported funding of the Young People’s Concerts, $1,500, and the Youth Orchestras, $1,289, from the Past Presidents’ Luncheon. Two after-concert receptions; participant and sponsor of the midlands “Now This is Columbia” Arts Festival. Website: www.scsymphonyleague.com, email and 4 Crescendos used for general membership and board communication. Presented Philharmonic $17,500 from Endowment income and $27,000 from Fund Raising Projects.
2007 - 2008	Search for Music Director culminated with selection of Maestro Morihiko Nakahara – 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 held. Projects: Valentine Ball held in February and 13 First Chair Gourmet events held throughout the year yielded profits of $36,385. Education: Arthur Fraser Piano Concerto Competition is now international; competition held in conjunction with USC School of Music’s Southeastern Piano Festival in June; winners to perform with Philharmonic at Master Series Concert on October 25, 2008; $4,000 contribution by the League. Assisted with Young People’s Concerts in February; $1,500 League contribution. Supported Youth Orchestras with $1,226 contribution raised at Past Presidents’ Luncheon in April. Sponsored two post-concert receptions following the September and March Master Series Concerts. Increased communication with five Crescendo mailings, an updated website: www.scsymphonyleague.com and frequent e-mails. Contributions to Philharmonic included $19,000 from Endowment Fund and $26,000 from fundraising projects, in addition to contributions for Young People’s Concerts and Youth Orchestras – Total $47,726.