Thursday, Feb. 28 2013 4:19PM
Friends of the LS Symphony are vital to orchestra’s success
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ReprintEveryone needs good friends, and the Lee’s Summit Symphony is no exception. Fortunately, our community’s orchestra is supported by a thriving and talented organization known as Friends of the Symphony.
Tickets for the Symphony, which are reasonably priced, provide approximately one-third of the Symphony’s revenue each year. The remainder comes from Friends and other donors and grants. Sustaining the financial health of the Symphony is one goal of Friends, who also serve as volunteers for concerts and other Symphony events.
“The Friends are an integral part of our organization,” said Bob White, Symphony president. “Without their dedication and resourcefulness, our Symphony would not be able to function.”
Mary Ann Rhoads, Friends president, said she see Friends as a worthwhile organization that allows her to contribute to something unique and special within the community.
“The Symphony provides a source of classical music that is easily available to the citizens of Lee’s Summit,” Mrs. Rhoads said. “I enjoy the personal satisfaction of working with a great group of people, doing a job that makes our community a better place to live and being a part of a great artistic experience.”
Friends share their time and talents by volunteering at concerts and fundraisers and assisting the Symphony in numerous aspects. Membership in Friends is currently $15 annually for an individual and $50 for a business.
Examples of Friends’ responsibilities include placing concert posters throughout town, taking tickets, distributing programs and decorating for concerts. Annually, Friends conducts a fundraising project to help support the Symphony and is assisting this year with the Flights of Fancy Run/Walk, scheduled for April 20 at MCC-Longview. The run/walk will benefit the Symphony and other charities.
Carolyn Connor, Friends president-elect, said she joined the organization because she loves classical musical and wanted to be an integral part of supporting the cultural life within Lee’s Summit.
“I enjoy knowing my efforts help the Symphony musicians realize that they are appreciated, bring in needed revenue and help the concerts run smoothly both behind the scenes and in front of the house,” Mrs. Connor said. “I’ve also had the opportunity to make new music-loving friends in my community.”
Friends will be supporting the Symphony at its next concert, the Family Pops Spectacular, scheduled for 7 p.m. March 9 at the Lee’s Summit High School performing arts center. Pre-concert activities will begin at 5:30 p.m.
The 2013-14 Lee’s Summit Symphony season will end with a special 10th anniversary event, the Celebration at the Kauffman Center on June 15 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit is the exclusive sponsor for this event.
For more information about the Lee’s Summit Symphony, upcoming concerts and joining Friends, visit www.lssymphony.org.
