About Our Guild | SB Symphony

SYMPHONY GUILD
Founded in 1984, the San Bernardino Symphony Guild’s primary goals are to support the San Bernardino Symphony and to promote an appreciation of fine orchestral music in our community. The Guild fulfills its mission through a diverse array of educational, social, and fundraising activities. For more information, please call our office at (909) 381-5388.

GUILD MEMBERSHIP
Become an Active Member of the San Bernardino Symphony Guild and make a difference in the San Bernardino community with the promotion of Classical Music.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DONATION LEVELS
Quarter Note: $25*

Half Note: $50 to $99

Whole Note: $100 to $249

Notable: $250 to $499

Virtuoso: $500 or more

*Amounts donated above $25 are tax-deductible and Whole Notes and above will be recognized in the Directory.
For membership information, please call (909) 381-5388.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS
Share the joys of teaching students about orchestral music by becoming a docent in the SBSO Guild's celebrated music outreach program!

Please call (909) 381-5388 for further information.

Sponsored by the San Bernardino Symphony Guild.

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 historic orchestra and concert venues at which the SBSO performs which builds both pride of place and cultural literacy. They also 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.

HOSPITALITY ACTIVITIES
The Symphony's Guild manages a number of pre-and post-concert hospitality activities, as described below.

CONCERT MUSICALES
The Friday evening before each live concert, pre-concert social events - Musicales - are held in various private homes. These ticketed events provide the opportunity for attendees to hear about the concert to come from our Maestro, and to socialize with other music lovers in an informal setting. Funds raised support the Guild's various other activities.

AFTERGLOW RECEPTIONS
Following each evening performance, our valued patrons gather in the California Theatre's beautiful California Room to meet the Maestro, guest artists, and orchestra members while enjoying refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres. Our Debs and Red Ties assist at these receptions.

MUSICIAN REFRESHMENTS

SBSO musicians and featured artists are provided with an array of refreshments during the rehearsal prior to every live evening performance.

GUEST ARTIST AMENITIES

SBSO guest artists receive gift baskets before every live performance.

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.

SAN BERNARDINO SYMPHONY GUILD COUNCIL MEMBERS 2023-2024

PRESIDENT

Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers

VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATION
Sharon McFerran

VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION
Jill Robinson

VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP
Judy Podskalan

VICE PRESIDENT SOCIAL

(Afterglow Receptions and Musicales)
Ruth Chafin-Floyd

TREASURER
Maria Cramer

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Lynda Savage

RECORDING SECRETARY