SYMPHONY GUILD
Founded in 1984, the San Bernardino Symphony Guild’s primary goals are to support the San Bernardino Symphony Association by promoting an appreciation of fine orchestral music in our community. The Guild is governed by a board and fulfills its mission through a diverse array of educational, social, and fundraising activities. On this page, we provide information about some of our programs. You can also read our by laws below to learn more about how we are structured.
GUILD MEMBERSHIP
Become an Active Member of the San Bernardino Symphony Guild and make a difference! Choose an annual donation level and attend monthly meetings in person or on Zoom. All members will receive a monthly newsletter and an annual directory. At the meetings and in the newsletter, members will hear about many timely opportunities for volunteerism.
Quarter Note: $25
Half Note: $50 to $99
Whole Note: $100 to $249
Notable: $250 to $499
Virtuoso: $500 or more
*Amounts donated are tax-deductible and all levels will be recognized in the Guild's annual Directory.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS
In partnership with California State University San Bernardino, the Guild created a series of music education videos regularly used in the San Bernardino City Unified School District… and by those wanting to know more about orchestral instruments worldwide. These videos are available on this website at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org/music-education
DEBS & RED TIES
The Debs and Red Ties program prepares motivated high school students to become future leaders. Established in 1984 as a way to engage local youth in the arts, the program has since transformed into a certificated job skills training opportunity for hundreds of high school students. Participants represent their schools by assisting at SBSO performances and special events. They learn job skills including teamwork, punctuality, and customer service. They also learn about the concert repertoire, historic orchestra, and concert venues at which the SBSO performs which builds both pride of place and cultural literacy. Through their volunteerism, they learn about jobs in the arts, including those many support jobs not performed on stage which further expands their career horizons. All Debs and Red Ties receive concert tickets for their families to attend SBSO performances and a certificate at the end of each concert season.
GUTHRIE MUSIC RENTAL LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS
The Symphony's Guild provides volunteers to clean and repair, stock, and annually inventory the many pieces of music in its James Kelly Guthrie Music Rental Library which is housed at the City of San Bernardino Public Library District’s Feldheym Library. Volunteers meet weekly and their efforts make it possible for the Guthrie’s scores to be rented at very affordable prices to serve local orchestras and educational institutions.
HOSPITALITY ACTIVITIES
The Symphony's Guild manages a number of pre-and post-concert hospitality activities to engage our patrons, support our orchestra members, and delight our community!
AFTERGLOW RECEPTIONS
Following each concert performance, all our valued patrons are invited to gather for a reception to meet the Maestro, guest artists, and orchestra members while enjoying refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres. Our Social Committee administrates these events with assistance from our Debs and Red Ties.
CONCERT MUSICALES
One evening before many major concerts, a pre-concert social event is held in a private home. These ticketed events provide the opportunity for attendees to hear about the upcoming performance from our Maestro, and to socialize with other music lovers in an informal setting. Funds raised support the Guild's community activities.
MUSICIAN REFRESHMENTS
The Guild provides SBSO musicians and featured artists with an array of grab-and-go refreshments during the rehearsal break prior to major orchestra performances.
GUEST ARTIST AMENITIES
The Guild creates and provides guest artist gift bags inclusive of treats and beverages prior to each major performance as a way of thanking these professionals for sharing their talents with our audiences.
ANNUAL SPRING MEMBERSHIP EVENT
The Symphony's Guild holds an annual Spring Membership Reception at which volunteers are recognized, the outgoing board is thanked, and the incoming board is installed. This is also the time many new members join! Will you be one of them?
For more information about our Guild and its many programs and events,
please call the Symphony office at (909) 381-5388.
SAN BERNARDINO SYMPHONY GUILD COUNCIL MEMBERS 2023-2024
PRESIDENT
Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers
VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Sharon McFerran
VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION
Jill Robinson
VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP
Position Open
VICE PRESIDENT SOCIAL
(Afterglow Receptions and Musicales)
Ruth Chafin-Floyd
TREASURER
Maria Cramer
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Lynda Savage
RECORDING SECRETARY
Dr. Anne Viricel
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
Aurelene McGruder
SYMPHONY DEBS AND RED TIES CHAIR
Debbie Law
MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS CHAIR
Judy Podskalan
GUTHRIE LIBRARY SUPPORT CHAIR
Debbie Law
ORCHESTRA REFRESHMENTS CHAIR
Mary Ellen Abilez Grande
DIRECTORY CO-CHAIRS
Laura Lee Brownton and Judy Podskalan
NEWSLETTER CHAIR and SYMPHONY LIAISON
Dr. Anne Viricel