2022-2023 OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear Friends of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra,
As I prepared thoughts for the annual meeting at the Spring Fling, I reflected on this past League year. What a year it has been!
Our League of almost 300 members (297 to be exact) has been extraordinarily busy this year. We describe ourselves as a fundraising and also a friend-raising organization. Speaking for myself, I’ve made a lot of nice friends during my time with The League. And I’m sure that many of you have, also.
As to the fundraising aspect, we are pleased to report that this year we raised $80,000 on behalf of The Orchestra. With everyone’s help, I imagine that we will meet and exceed that in the coming year. Of course such a goal is not achieved without the assistance of many people. I have been blessed to have an excellent, willing executive committee with whom to work this year. In addition, the League board was also most helpful, as was the HHSO staff, and the HHSO board as well.
My heartfelt thanks go to all of them.
We held two fundraising events. The Swing Fore the Symphony golf tournament at the Wexford Golf Club on Halloween was a popular event which generated over $55,000. On March 21st the annual Spring luncheon and fashion show was held at The Country Club of Hilton Head. It was a sold-out event which generated $11,000, and the event was a lovely way to welcome spring.
Our Musicales were popular as always; each of them sold out. Six generous hosts offered their homes for an evening of intimate music, followed by an elegant reception. Our biggest problem was trying to accommodate everyone! These events also generate funds. At the Symphony Under the Stars you will find members selling raffle tickets, and we hosted a Sip and Shop event at J. McLaughlin with a portion of sales going to support the Orchestra.
In addition to fundraising, the League supports the Orchestra in other ways. We host post-concert receptions after several of the Monday evening performances; in particular, the opening concert, the holiday pops concert, the IPC finals, and the final concert of the season. We are pleased to provide ushers for the Symphony concerts as well as SoundWaves performances. Many members volunteer for the International Piano Competition as well. Clearly, there are many ways to become involved – we hope that you will let us know if you wish to help.
At the end of the year, we host the Spring Fling, our annual meeting and party to thank the membership for their support. May I once again offer my most sincere thanks to everyone who helped to make this an excellent year!
—Carol Gyllenhoff, Outgoing League President
2024 SPRING FLING
The 2024 Spring Fling Annual Meeting and Party will be held on Tuesday, May 14th from 5-7 p.m. at Indigo Hall. This yearly event incorporates the membership annual meeting within a party to thank all League members for their support and hard work.
HHSO Strategic Planning Efforts and the League
The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra administrative staff, Board, Musicians, League Members, and external community representatives all contributed this year towards the strategic planning process undertaken by the leadership of our Hilton Head Symphony. As subscribers you received a membership survey and the information gathered from that survey provided important insights to the HHSO Strategic Planning Committee. As an important part of the planning process, League Board members also had the opportunity to meet with members of the Strategic Planning Committee and the President and CEO of the HHSO to explore strengths and opportunities for the Orchestra in the future. A summary of the intended plan will be presented to the HHSO Board of Directors for their consideration with committee work to follow.
MESSAGE FROM OUR INCOMING LEAGUE PRESIDENT
As one very successful year for the League and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra ends and another begins, I am excited and thrilled to be taking the lead for the organization. The membership and the Executive Board of the League have put a lot of faith in me and I will do my best to live up to it! Carol Gyllenhoff’s leadership will be a hard act to follow!
I have been a working member of the League for eight years, beginning with Musicales, League Secretary for many years, and the Administrative VP during Carol’s presidency. I came by my love of music very naturally at home and continued to follow that passion into music conservatory at Ithaca College. There I learned that I was more interested in teaching than performing and I chose to pursue a career in education, teaching piano and clarinet lessons on the side. Eventually, I finished my career as a principal of a very large elementary school in Virginia and as an adjunct professor at George Mason University. Retirement led me to Hilton Head Island where I have volunteered with the Literacy Center and then, quite naturally, the League. It is because I come from a musical background and a family of musicians (teachers and performers), and the fact that I attended concerts at Lincoln Center while in high school, and the Kennedy Center as an adult, that I recognize the outstanding quality of the HHSO – far beyond what one might naturally expect in a community of our size!
So, as I look forward, I do have some personal goals for the League as we partner and support our wonderful HHSO. Continuing to support the Symphony financially will result in League sponsorship of events like Musicales and the third annual Golf Tournament. I would also like to involve more of you in our events and activities, and contribute to increasing community outreach for the Symphony by extending our membership and our recognition.
We cannot do any of this without you – our loyal members – and your involvement and support. So, look for your membership packet coming in the mail, and know that you are appreciated, valued, and part of my plan for the League of the HHSO during the 2023-24 year!
—Terry Hicks, Incoming League President
[email protected]
TRANSITIONS
In addition to our regular reporting agenda, the May 22nd League Board meeting was also a social gathering to recognize Board members completing their Board service and to welcome League members to the board.
Sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the board members who have served so admirably this past year! The League would not have so successful without your hard work, support and dedication to the organization and to the HHSO.
Outgoing Board Members
- Judy Walsh (VP Membership/Volunteers)
- Linda Moloney (VP Fundraising/Marketing, Golf Tournament Chair)
- Lois Hoyt-Berry (Musicale Chair)
- Candi Hough (Past President, Nominating Committee)
- Mary Princing (Past President, Nominating Committee)
- JoAnn McElravy (co-chair Concert Receptions)
- Louise Wyhopen (co-chair Fashion Show)
New and returning leadership always bring fresh perspectives and talent to our organization and the League’s 2023-2024 Board is no exception. Please welcome our returning and new Executive Board members and Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 year.
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra League
2023-24 Executive Board and Board of Directors
Executive Board
| President | Terry Hicks |
| Administrative Vice President | Nancy Millette |
| Membership/ Volunteers Vice President | Jane Waltz |
| Fundraising Vice-President | Joyce Prange |
| Secretary | Jeffrie Natale |
| Treasurer | Bill Zurilla |
Board of Directors
| Swing Fore the Symphony | Bret Jacobowitz and Mike Kling |
| Musicales | Eileen Durkin and Carol McCarthy |
| Spring Fashion Show | Laura Kling and Ann Millhaem |
| Past President/Nominating Chair | Carol Gyllenhoff |
| Newsletter/Community Outreach | Dahlia Handman |
| Post-Concert Receptions | Carol Gyllenhoff and Marti Neumeister |
| Spring Fling | Sheila Corbett |
| Symphony Under the Stars | Mike Caporal |
| HHIPC Liaison | Kathy Zurilla |
| Concours Liaison | Stan Cooke |
| SOVA Liaison | |
| Volunteer Record Keeping | Jane Waltz |