The League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra is comprised of a large group of amazing people who all contribute in a variety of ways to support the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. However, getting to know each other is hard for an organization of our size. This special edition of the League newsletter is an effort to highlight members and have each share a bit about themselves and why they “give” their time to the HHSO. We plan to continue these member profiles as part of our regular newsletters throughout the 2024 season. Happy Holidays!
PRESIDENT’S LETTER – THE HARP LOGO
In 1999 the Executive Board of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra decided to offer opportunities for the naming of certain positions in the orchestra. A twenty-year contract was signed between the League and the HHSO in which the League agreed to attach their name to the harp position, also known as the harp “chair.” It was because of that naming that the harp became the official logo of the League of the HHSO. Although the original contract has expired, the naming of the harp position as “The League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chair” continues in recognition of our ongoing donations in support of the HHSO. Over the past 3 years (exclusive of the COVID year), The League has contributed over $170,000 in support of the HHSO. We are very proud of this accomplishment and the naming of the Harp Chair in recognition of that support.
—Terry Hicks, League President
[email protected]
NANCY MILLETTE
Administrative Vice President
How did you end up in the LowCountry?
To shorten a VERY long story: Part One: We started looking for a place where we would like to retire (eventually) back in the 80” s. After lots of searching, Hilton Head seemed to have checked all the boxes. Part Two: We moved from Cincinnati to Atlanta in 1998 for my husband’s Dream Job which turned out to be a Nightmare instead. Since we had been making the short trip to the Island at least one weekend every month, we said “Let’s just go now.”
What sparked your interest in the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra?
My dad was a singer, and there was always music of every variety in our house. I was delighted to find great music here and began buying season tickets with my dad when he moved here in 2021.
Why do you give your time to the League?
To have a symphony of the high caliber of HHSO is amazing for a small town. Anything we can do to continue it is a worthy use of my time and energies.
JANE WALZ
Membership/Volunteers Vice President
How did you end up in the LowCountry?
I began visiting Hilton Head Island in the mid-1970s and I loved my time here. My visits grew more frequent after my nephew began training at the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy and my sister and brother-in-law became full-time residents. After I retired, I decided to leave my snow shovel behind in Philadelphia and I moved here full time.
What sparked your interest in the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra?
I attended come concerts during my first few years here. When I met some League members, they encouraged me to become more involved, so I joined the League and began volunteering.
Why do you give your time to the League?
I admire the orchestra’s community outreach efforts and I’m especially interested in supporting music education among our school age children. I believe that the time I spend working on League projects will help the orchestra increase its impact in our community.
JOYCE PRANGE
Fundraising Vice President
How did you end up in the LowCountry?
We vacationed in Hilton Head for many years and while walking on the beach during our last visit, my husband said, “Why don’t we just move here?” The rest is history. We moved here from Maryland in the fall of 2015.
What sparked your interest in the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra?
We have always enjoyed the symphony in other cities – Columbus, OH, Baltimore and Washington D.C. The HHSO is a very impressive organization that adds terrific value to the community.
I wanted to be a part of it.
Why do you give your time to the League?
The HHSO is a very dynamic organization and deserves support in any way possible. I like to think that my small contribution helps enhance the presence of the HHSO by supporting it in many ways, such as fundraising, housing musicians, ushering, attending as many concerts as possible and informing anyone I meet about the HHSO, if they are not already aware of it. I have also met many wonderful people through my involvement with The League.
JEFFRIE NATALE
Secretary
How did you end up in the LowCountry?
We played golf in Hilton Head in February and came back in April to buy a vacation condo because we loved the area. That was the start of a twenty- one year adventure that we are still enjoying.
What sparked your interest in the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra?
I was raised on Classical music. When we moved here permanently 21 years ago we went to an HHSO performance and thought it was top notch. We have been going ever since and it keeps getting better.
