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The League of American Orchestras Volunteer Council leads, advocates, and champions volunteer organizations in their efforts to support their orchestras' community outreach and civic partnerships to advance the experience of orchestral music.
Winter Edition 2023
Loretta H. Davenport, Volunteer Notes Editor | lhdavenportjd@aol.com
In This Issue
League Conference 2023: “An Overture”
Member Spotlight: Bruce Colquhoun, Conference Chair
Gold Awards of Excellence Presentations Calendar
2022-2023 League Volunteer Council
League Conference 2023: “An Overture”
League of American Orchestras Conference 2023: Bridges to the Future
June 14-16, 2023 in Pittsburgh, PA
An Overture
By: Bruce Colquhoun, Conference Chair and Loretta H. Davenport, Volunteer Notes Editor
Greetings!
The League of American Orchestras’ 78th annual conference provides an opportunity for volunteers to network, enjoy the hospitality of a major symphony organization, and explore the host city. Pittsburgh is a city full of natural beauty and classic charm -- a wonderful combination of vintage and contemporary. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is rolling out the red carpet for us; you will not want to miss Conference 2023!
The Volunteer Council, in collaboration with our host organization, the Pittsburgh Symphony Association, will present three days of programming specific to the special interests of volunteers. In this issue of Volunteer Notes we provide an overview– or in music parlance, an overture–of what you can expect when you attend.
Classic Award, Gold Awards of Excellence, and Spotlight Awards Presentations
The highlight of our programming is our Classic Award, Gold Awards of Excellence and Spotlight Awards presentations, which showcase the creative work that volunteer associations undertake in support of their orchestras. These interactive sessions provide conferees a wealth of ideas and allow them to share their own experiences on topics including fundraising, member recruitment, and community engagement. The 2022 award recipients were announced in our last issue of Volunteer Notes. Additional information on the presentation schedule for the Gold Awards of Excellence can be found later in this issue. Look forward to details regarding the Spotlight Awards presentations in our Spring issue. We are excited to showcase this outstanding and diverse group of projects: these presentations are not to be missed!
Panel Discussions
Panel discussions will be offered on two topics of particular interest in this climate of change in the orchestral community. Classical radio host Jim Cunningham and Classical Music Editor of Jeremy Renolds will share their perspectives on the current state of classical music and where it is headed.
In “Leveraging Volunteer Power to Amplify Orchestras’ Fundraising and Community Outreach Efforts,” orchestra executives, along with their volunteer leaders, will discuss the evolving relationship between orchestras and their volunteer groups. Panelists include Larry Lang, Executive Director, Amarillo Symphony; Robert Reed, Executive Director, Madison Symphony; and Kim Noltemy, President & CEO, Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Volunteer Networking Dinner
Every year the Volunteer Council organizes a dinner event open to all conference attendees. Purely social, it is a wonderful opportunity for engagement across constituency groups. This year we are changing things up a bit; instead of hosting small groups at multiple venues, we will all gather at a private location that you may not otherwise have an opportunity to experience unless you join us. Plan to arrive a day early to take part in this special evening event on Tuesday, June 13.
You can add and pay for the event as part of your conference registration. Additional details will follow in upcoming issues of Volunteer Notes.
These highlights and much more await you at conference. We look forward to meeting you in Pittsburgh.
WELCOME TO PITTSBURGH!
By: Diane Unkovic, President, Pittsburgh Symphony Association
When you arrive in the city of Pittsburgh from the airport by car, you have the unique experience of emerging from the Fort Pitt Tunnel as the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers lead you to the Golden Triangle. Welcome to Pittsburgh’s front door! The League of American Orchestras conference will be held at the Wyndham Hotel, which is conveniently located at the tip of the triangle connecting Pittsburgh’s three rivers and is an easy walk to Heinz Hall, the home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO).
Heinz Hall is located in the Cultural District of Pittsburgh. The many bridges that physically connect the neighborhoods of the city also connect the culture of the city. Begun in 1896, the PSO was dreamed into being by the nineteenth century entrepreneurs who created great new industries. Familiar names like Carnegie, Mellon, Westinghouse and Heinz believed in the power of music to make a city great. For the past 150 years the PSO, the new entrepreneurs and the people of Pittsburgh have worked diligently together to continue this dream.
World-class PSO musicians not only perform on stage, but in local libraries, schools and shelters where they help to deliver excess food. The PSO musicians even graciously perform in steaming hot gardens for our Pittsburgh Symphony Association fundraisers. Pittsburghers have also turned to the orchestra in times of terrible grief, as when they held a concert for the victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue.
“Our challenge is to bring great music to the audience so they love it, and it becomes part of their lives and memory. We reflect the history of the last centuries - and we are creators of new history." Manfred Honeck explained in the book Play On: An Illustrated History of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra by Hax McCullough and Mary Brignano (2011).
From the children who attend the Tiny Tots concerts to the seasoned symphony subscribers, everyone feels as though they have stepped into a special space when they enter the lobby of Heinz Hall.
Originally built in 1927, the Lowe’s Penn Theatre was about to be torn down in 1967 before the PSO’s musical director William Steinberg and Henry Heinz II came up with a plan to save the theatre and find a new home for the Pittsburgh Symphony, as detailed in Play On. After a $10 million reconstruction, the new Heinz Hall opened in 1971 to rave reviews. Remaining from the original theatre were the Italian marble columns and two, 15-foot Viennese chandeliers, each weighing a ton, which adorn the Grand Lobby of Heinz Hall to this day. The application of 24K gold leaf throughout the hall took two craftsmen 18 months to complete during the renovation. Drue (Mrs. H.J.) Heinz described the new home for the Pittsburgh Symphony in Play On as, “Vienna in Pittsburgh." And in 2007, Austrian born Maestro Manfred Honeck, our beloved principal conductor of 16 years, actually brought Vienna to Pittsburgh when he joined the PSO.
Originally founded as the Women’s Committee in 1939, our organization formally became the Pittsburgh Symphony Association (PSA) in 1983. The PSA supports and promotes the PSO and its musicians through fundraising, community outreach, educational programs, audience development and special events. From a garden tour, to an Oktoberfest, to a Salon, the PSA fundraisers aim to promote the benefits of having the PSO’s magnificent music in every life.
PSA members are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Conference. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded music lovers from across the country. Register now for Conference and see you in June!
Member Spotlight: Bruce Colquhoun, Conference Chair 2023
By: Loretta H. Davenport, Volunteer Notes Editor
Our 2023 Conference Chair, Bruce Colquhoun, is tailor made for the job. As Chair, Bruce is guiding a year-long planning process that involves all council members and requires strong leadership. In his fifth year on the Council, Bruce brings a calm and thoughtful demeanor, excellent organizational skills, and a collaborative nature to the group. He also brings a unique perspective as the only male member on the Council. He is skillfully leading the Council’s efforts to make this year’s program engaging and relevant as we strive to be more effective in meeting the unique challenges our organizations face.
Growing up around the country, Bruce was exposed to his father’s love of classical music at a young age. He played clarinet throughout his student years from elementary school through college. After receiving his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Idaho, he spent six years on active duty in the Navy before beginning his career at 3M, retiring from his position as a production manager in 2008.
Following his retirement, he and his wife, Sandy, moved to Spokane, Washington. Soon thereafter they were attending Spokane Symphony concerts and making inquiries about supporting the organization. He and Sandy joined the Spokane Symphony Associates, and Bruce rose to the office of President. He and Sandy have maintained their membership in the group and are major supporters of their award-winning fundraiser, “The Upscale Sale.”
Bruce and Sandy have two adult daughters and one granddaughter.
In addition to beautiful music, Bruce enjoys fine wine, travel, and model railroading.
GOLD AWARD OF EXCELLENCE PRESENTATIONS CALENDAR
JOIN US IN PITTSBURGH AT THESE DATES AND TIMES FOR OUR 2023 WINNERS!
By Darlene Clark, Gold Awards Chair
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 at 9:30AM: Learn how two volunteer organizations have celebrated 70 years of fundraising success!
Classic Award Presentation: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Volunteers: Symphony Book Fair 2022 and Gold Award Presentation: Peninsula Committee Los Angeles Philharmonic: 70th Anniversary Gala Celebration
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 at 3:30PM: Learn how to create successful themed fundraisers and increase membership with style!
Gold Award Presentations: FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra: Kentucky Derby Party 2022, Houston Symphony League: President's Luncheon/Style Show, and Pittsburgh Symphony Association: Symphony Splendor Garden Tour 2022
THURSDAY, JUNE 15 at 3:30PM: Learn how to promote classical music with creativity!
Gold Award Presentation: St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association: Picture the Music 2021
2022-2023 LEAGUE VOLUNTEER COUNCIL
Our Mission
The purpose of the Volunteer Council is to support the mission of the League of American Orchestras by providing leadership, communication, and a resource link between the League and orchestra volunteers.
Leadership Committee
- Janet Cabot, President, Madison, WI
- Laurie Skjerseth, President-Elect, Davenport, IA
- Bruce Colquhoun, Conference Chair, Spokane, WA
- Darlene Clark, Conference Chair-Elect, Houston, TX
- Julie Meredith, Immediate Past President, Arnold, MD
Members
- Loretta Davenport, Chicago, IL
- Marena Gault, Dallas, TX
- Barbara Lake, Los Angeles, CA
- Kathy Leibrand, Kansas City, MO
- Charlotte Lewis, New Orleans, LA
- Ginny Lundquist, Detroit, MI
- Florence Mc Lean, Baltimore, MD
- Paula McReynolds, Waco, TX
- Irene Sohm, Santa Rosa, C
- Maggie Stehman, Washington, D.C.
Ex-Officio Members
- Tresa Radermacher, Dyer, IN | Sustainer Liaison
- Camille Williams, Little Rock, AR | Sustainer Liaison-Elect
- Marylou Turner, Kansas City, MO | Sustainer Mentoring Program
- Melanie Hausmann, League of American Orchestras | Staff Liaison
- Douglas Hagerman, League of American Orchestras | President of the Board of Directors
- Simon Woods, League of American Orchestras | President & CEO
Credits:
Created with images by SeanPavonePhoto - "Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Skyline" • rudi1976 - "Pittsburgh Skyline."