PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I want to recognize the work of the performance ushers, both at First Presbyterian Church and SoundWaves. Under the leadership of Linda Schneider and Downing Whitesell, they are a dedicated group who seem to always be on call and willing to help. The volunteers at the SoundWaves Events do everything from greeting and check-in to actually serving food and clearing!
Chorus members under the direction of Dr. Dustin Ousley rehearse throughout the year to prepare for extravaganzas like Holiday Pops and the tour de force presentation of Carmina Burana. Each of the HHSO Chorus members takes personal responsibility for the quality of their performance as an ensemble and it shows!
We also recognize the work of the volunteers of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition Committee. They provide organization, volunteers, housing for contestants, and fundraising.
We must not forget to applaud the League spring fundraiser, Kitchens of Note (see full article below). It was a huge success thanks to your participation and the relentless efforts of our committee and more than 60 volunteers involved that day.
The League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra seeks to provide support to the HHSO through volunteerism, fundraising, and support for youth programs. Members receive at least three information filled newsletters annually. They receive invitations to The Fall Members’ Brunch, ticketing for Musicales, opportunities to volunteer, and the annual Spring Fling, our celebration of the year’s accomplishments. Camaraderie, musical performances, networking, love of music, and the HHSO community, are always our focus. As we look toward our spring membership drive, we welcome all supporters and volunteers to join the League as members of the League family. If we all join together, we can create an even larger and more cohesive community of support that makes the HHSO stronger and more resilient throughout the years.
Terry Hicks
President
League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra
SAVE THE DATE
ANNUAL MEETING
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Indigo Run
Kitchens of Note Raises $40,000 for the HHSO!
After a five-year hiatus, the Kitchens of Note (KoN) Spring Fundraiser staged a stellar comeback! The self-driving tour of beautiful kitchens in Port Royal on Hilton Head, featured small plates created by local chefs, and tablescaping and accessories provided by the presenting sponsor, Le Cookery. Over 60 League volunteers joined forces to make this year’s event the top spring fundraising effort in the League’s history.
Additionally, this year’s fundraising effort included a special Preview Party hosted at one of the oceanfront homes on the tour. Hosting nearly 50 donors at the home of Sherry and Andrew Hertneky, the event featured jazz piano music by Charlie Curtis, a live auction, was emceed by Bob Cherichella and wine expert, Andy Heller, and offered exclusive wine baskets as well as a chance to invite 10 guests to a Lowcountry Boil dinner cooked by Maestro John Morris Russell. The Party raised over $10,000 for the League.
A new feature of the event this year was the addition of tablescaping by Rachel Lively, owner of Le Cookery, the event’s Presenting Sponsor. Starting days before the event, Rachel and her team, including reps from Juliska and Vietri, created stunning table settings in each home.
Six restaurants selected for KoN offered fresh and varied items; Chez Georges presented their popular Bœuf Bourguignon; Cactus Street Cantina served Shrimp Ceviche, Chef Timi Szanto of Taste of Europe delighted guests with Pierogies and Crepes with Paprika Chicken. Nectar Farm Kitchen presented Deviled Eggs with Orange Marmalade and Dill, Michael Anthony’s served Panzanella con Mozzarella, and Ela’s Blu Water Grille and Celeste Coastal Cuisine highlighted Sashimi Tuna over Asian Slaw and Pan Seared Diver Scallops with Crab Risotto.
A Volunteer-Intensive Event
The House Captains contributed many hours organizing volunteers for each home. Sincere thanks to House Captains Beatrice Buxton, Carol Gyllenhoff, Becky Hauk, Carol McCarthy, Joyce Prange, and Jane Waltz.
The coordination of the publicity, program booklet, ticketing, signage, Preview Party, chef requirements, gate passes, supplies, financial tracking, parking, photography and many more aspects of this event, were handled by the outstanding 2025 KoN Committee: Mike Caporal, Bob Cherichella, Beth Curtis, Becky Hauk, Terry Hicks, Laura Kling, Nancy Millette, Bill Millhaem and Joyce Prange. Heading up the Committee were Co-Chairs Linda Moloney and Anne Millhaem.
A HUGE NOTE OF THANKS TO ALL INVOLVED!
KITCHENS OF NOTE PHOTOS
We are all HHSO Family
It is clear that volunteers play vital roles in symphony orchestra organizations. As a strong orchestral organization, HHSO volunteers are effective partners of staff and board leadership, providing service across a wide range of activities. Every member of the symphony orchestra volunteer “family” are considered treasured resources.
Volunteering is philanthropy in action: a gift to the HHSO of our member’s time and expertise. Whether it is as a member of the HHSO League, the HHSO Usher Corp or the Soundwaves (SW) Ushers, there are season-round opportunities to get involved at the Symphony, whether by serving as an usher, supporting fundraising events, or by joining the HHSO League.
Many of our League members find ways to contribute to the HHSO in multiple ways…over 40 percent of the HHSO League are also members of the HHSO Usher Corp…seven couples participate as ushers, five of those couples are also League members! A special shout out to Brian and Lynn Waterfield who are members of the HHSO Chorus, the HHSO Usher Corp AND are HHSO League members!
THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHORUS
Formed in 2006 by the HHSO, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus is an auditioned chorus of professional and professionally-trained vocalists from around the Lowcountry who are dedicated to performing classical, opera, and contemporary choral literature with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Now entering their nineteenth season, this highly acclaimed ensemble continues to expand their repertoire and their love of music, while striving to set the highest standard for performance and professionalism.
The HHSOC is open to all experienced singers who wish to perform with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Auditions are held throughout the year, and may be scheduled by contacting Gayle Lang, Manager, at glang@hhso.org.
“While singing in a chorus exercises the brain, improves breathing, posture, muscle tension, and contributes to overall well-being and happiness, group singing is most effective for bonding large groups that share a passion for the choral arts. I believe that is the very essence of what makes the HHSO Chorus so special. From all walks of life and different musical backgrounds, they are all multi-talented, caring, wonderful people who come together to share their lives and love of music with one another, while striving to give our audiences the gift of song straight from their hearts. I am honored to be their manager, and to sing alongside of all of these amazing men and women.”
– Gayle Lang, Manager, HHSOC
THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA USHER CORP
Symphony ushers play a vital role in creating a positive and welcoming environment for patrons, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable concert experience by guiding guests, answering questions, and assisting with accessibility needs. As ambassadors of the HHSO, volunteers are a vital part of the concert experience for patrons and guests. We know that the warm and welcoming environment we strive to provide would not be possible as ushers are the first point of contact for patrons, and their friendly demeanor and
helpfulness set the tone for the entire concert experience.
THE HHSO SOUNDWAVES USHERS
Rounding out our usher groups are the seventeen members of the Soundwaves Ushers who provide support during the very popular SoundWaves programs.
SoundWaves is the official headquarters of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra that also includes a fabulous intimate performance space. Each year, the program offerings continue to grow to wide acclaim and includes the ever-popular Coastal homes Supper Club Series and the Gullah Geechee Cultural Series. SoundWaves also hosts a number of other important events throughout the season, including the HHSO Youth Concerto Competition, special Hilton International Piano Competition (HHIPC) recitals, and the annual Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute.
Symphony ushers play a vital role in creating a positive and welcoming environment for patrons, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable concert experience by guiding guests, answering questions, and assisting with accessibility needs. As ambassadors of the HHSO, volunteers are a vital part of the concert experience for patrons and guests. We know that the warm and welcoming environment we strive to provide would not be possible as ushers are the first point of contact for patrons, and their friendly demeanor and helpfulness set the tone for the entire concert experience.