Friday, Dec. 21 2012 4:58PM
Giving the gift of music brings joy
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ReprintDuring this season of giving, one of the most memorable and long-lasting presents to give or receive is the gift of music. Carol Rothwell of Lee’s Summit remembers two gifts of music from her childhood that left a lasting impression – 12 years of piano lessons as well as another musical instrument that arrived at Christmas.
“When I was in fourth grade, Santa brought me a beautiful new French horn,” Rothwell said. “There was a string attached to my stocking, which led me outside to the barn where the horn was hidden.”
She played the horn through high school before being issued a new instrument in Marching Mizzou at the University of Missouri. Today, Rothwell continues her interest in music by serving on the Lee’s Summit Symphony Board, helping others enjoy classical music.
“We never outgrow our need for music,” she said.
Gary Fruits, Lee’s Summit Symphony board member and treasurer, also appreciates the gifts of music he has received over the years, including what he learned from both his high-school and college band directors.
“My high-school band director, Kenneth Thompson, was so much more than a band director,” he said. “He taught me a great appreciation for music of all kinds and how it should be played.”
He added that providing high-quality music for the enjoyment of others is dependent on the generosity of others.
“The Lee’s Summit Symphony doesn’t just happen, it takes many people, great dedication and money to sustain the Symphony on an ongoing basis,” Fruits said.
He added that a gift of tickets is a simple and easy way to give to others.
“You don’t have to know sizes or colors or styles, and it is a gift that keeps on giving – both to the patron and the Symphony.”
David Stover, also a Symphony board member, added, “We have discovered that giving concert tickets to newcomers is a great way to welcome them to Lee’s Summit and apprise them of the benefits of living here.”
Saint Luke’s East Hospital is giving both the Lee’s Summit Symphony and the community a gift as the exclusive sponsor of Celebration at the Kauffman, scheduled for 8 p.m. June 15, 2013. As part of the Symphony’s 10th anniversary celebration, Saint Luke’s is thanking the community for supporting the hospital through this sponsorship, said John Clabaugh of Saint Luke’s and also a Symphony Board member.
“As part of our mission at Saint Luke’s East, we are dedicated to enhancing the physical, mental and spiritual health of the diverse communities we serve,” Clabaugh said. “Supporting the Symphony in its mission to enhance the local cultural experience seemed a natural fit for us as music is relaxing and healing.”
The Celebration at the Kauffman will provide concert goers with the opportunity to hear the Lee’s Summit Symphony in the new auditorium. More information about the Celebration at the Kauffman will be released soon, and those interested can visit the Symphony’s website for updates at www.lssymphony.org/.
In addition to the Celebration at the Kauffman on June 15, the Lee’s Summit Symphony will present its annual Family Pops Concert at 7 p.m. March 9. Tickets for this concert are just $5 for students (18 and under) and $10 for adults and may be purchased at both Lee’s Summit Hy-Vee stores and at the Symphony website.
Individuals, families and businesses are also invited to donate to the Lee’s Summit Symphony. All donations are tax-deductible, and more information about giving is available on the Symphony website at www.lssymphony.org/dona-
tions.php.
