VolunteerGet involved with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra by joining one or more of the four auxiliary groups: the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), the Élan Circle of the DSOL, The Innovators of the DSOL or the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Guild. Membership is open throughout the year and orientation for new members takes place every September. Groups are structured according to age and lifestyles. The Dallas Symphony Association presently has more than 1,200 volunteers.
Volunteers are called upon to assist staff with such projects as the Season Ticket Campaign (March of each year) and the Annual Fund Drive, including the Stradivarius Patron Program. Other activities include ushering thousands of students into the Meyerson Symphony Center for youth concerts, chauffeuring guest artists and conductors, concerts for the visually impaired through "Access Dallas Symphony," serving as docents for the Meyerson Symphony Center tours, participating in the Music & Merit Program, plus continually receiving high marks for raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for artistic and community programs each season. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra greatly appreciates the following four volunteer groups and their services:
Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL)
Website: www.dallassymphonyleague.com
Membership: Sharon Walker 214-369-2459
Membership is open to anyone interested in supporting the Symphony through special projects and committees. This is the largest arm of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Volunteers. Activities include the Prelude Concert and Luncheon (fall), the Symphony Presentation Ball (February), the Junior Symphony Ball (February), the Wells Fargo Dallas Symphony Derby (April) and Parties of Note. Education and service projects include ushering for Youth Concerts and assisting at the Symphony Store, Juanita Miller Concerto Competition, Friedlander Competition for Young Strings and Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition. In addition, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League supports Access Dallas Symphony, a program for the visually impaired and blind.
The Élan Circle of the DSOL
Website: www.dallassymphonyleague.com
Membership: Kate McCoy 972-463-8405
Candidates are recommended for membership. Active membership must be proposed and is limited to 225 women under 45. Requirements include attendance at three general meetings a year and one fundraising, one service and one in-service credit per year. Projects of the Élan Circle include the Savor the Symphony Fine Wine Dinner and Auction (spring), Deck the Hall Concert for Youth (December), Fireside Chats (ongoing) and Symphony YES (Youth Educational Services).
The Innovators of the DSOL
Website: dsolinnovators.com
Membership: Kate Dixon 214-321-8025
The Innovators is designed to fit the schedule of the busy professional. Membership is co-ed and open to both singles and couples. Active membership is limited to 250. Men and women of all ages are invited to participate. Members are encouraged to attend at least two meetings a year, take part in one of the Innovators' fundraisers, volunteer at the Symphony Store and participate in a League event. This year the Innovators will sponsor two fundraising projects, Affaire de Champagne and a cruise raffle, and continue their support of the Young Strings Program.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Guild
Website: www.dsoguild.com
Membership: Robin Green 520-3269
The Guild is composed of professional people of all ages who want to experience and learn about classical music. The Guild offers an extraordinary series of luncheon and evening meetings with visiting artists, and the opportunity to sponsor a fundraising concert gala once a year. Membership is open to both men and women. The Guild sponsors the popular Performance Preludes, the William E. Johnson, Jr. Educational Series, and Masterpiece Evenings (interactive discussions, held in members' homes, centered around master works or composers led by acknowledged musical authorities).
The American Symphony Orchestra League has recognized several of the League's projects and has honored the Dallas Symphony Orchestra volunteers for their hard work.
For more information
If you have questions about membership in any of the volunteer arms of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, call the Volunteer Department of the Dallas Symphony Association at 214-871-4004.
