The Friends Association of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra invite you to join The 2014-2015 Symphony Belles Obligations o f Belle membership There are three primary obligations: usher at performances, volunteer at Belle sponsored activities, and fulfill the financial responsibilities. Each Belle is responsible for: Ushering at 3 Symphony Orchestra performances per year. Attending 3 scheduled seminars, training sessions, or activities. (2 for seniors) Accumulating 4 service hours by: volunteering at FASO special events such as Derby Day, participating in special Belle service projects such as the KBTX Food Drive, creating appreciation cards for Symphony members, or assisting with the preparation of hospitality gifts. Bringing one requested hospitality item for Orchestra members. (such as pretzels, candy, or grapes) Symphony Belle Calendar* Symphony Belles Sweet Summer Social Sunday, August 17 3pm-4:30pm Summer Social will be held at the Brazos Cotton Exchange which is located in the Howell Building at 200 S. Main in Downtown Bryan. August 1 August 17 September 7 September 14 October 13 October 26 November 9 November 14 November 16 December 7 December 10 December 14 January 31 February 8 February 21 March 9 March 28 April 9-11 April 11 April 26 May 2 Last day to turn in Belle Application Sweet Summer Social for new Belles and their moms Information Session and Sign Up for 2014-2015 activities, ushering & service Mandatory Usher Training at TAMU Rudder Theatre (all NEW Belles) BVSO Golf Tournament Nutcracker - Belles Usher Hands-On Self Defense Christmas Party KBTX Food for Families Drive Holiday - Christ UMC Etiquette Luncheon @ Miramont Etiquette Luncheon @ Miramont Children's Premiere Market Belle Banquet & Senior Presentation Derby Day * Dates subject to change based on venue availability. ** A small fee will be assessed for this luncheon. Except where noted, all concerts will be held at Rudder Theatre on the Texas A&M campus. Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra Attire: Summer Sundress or skirt Symphony Belle Chairs Thank you for responding by August 8 to Cindy Craigen cindycraigen@verizon.net (979)229-6378 Cindy Craigen 979-229-6378 cindycraigen@verizon.net Julie Conlunga 979-204-7001 jamcolunga@suddenlink.net Early applications are encouraged and welcomed. Space is limited. Not all who apply can be accepted. Priority is given to returning Belles and new Junior applicants.
Who can be a Brazos Valley Symphony Belle? Membership is open to high school junior and senior women attending a public, private, or home high school in the Brazos Valley. Typically, women enter the program as a junior and are Belles for their junior and senior years in high school. Why consider membership in Symphony Belles? Having an activity on your resume that speaks of going above and beyond to expose yourself to the arts is a positive way to set yourself apart from other college applicants. In addition to having an activity to add to your resume, the exposure you will gain by attending performances of the Symphony Orchestra, as well as social skills seminars imbedded in the Belle program will build your self confidence so you can successfully navigate in any social situation be it sorority rush in college, applying for highly selective college campus organizations, or finding that all important first job out of college. Belles have fun meeting and working with other high school women in the community. Introducing The 2014-2015 Symphony Belle Program What is FASO? The Symphony Belles organization is administered and supported by the Friends of the Symphony Orchestra (FASO) and the FASO Board s desire is that your parent be a member of FASO. The membership dues of FASO promote and support the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. FASO believes that classical music is an integral part of the cultural life of the community and desires to assist in educating and inspiring citizens of the Brazos Valley to appreciate fine music. The Brazos Valley is fortunate to have a strong Symphony Orchestra and a vibrant support organization for the Symphony. 2013-2014 Junior Symphony Belles What about season tickets? Can I be a Belle without purchasing a ticket? Yes and no. Belle applicants must have a sponsor (either a parent or grandparent) who agrees annually to purchase at least one season ticket to the Symphony Orchestra for each year the applicant is a Belle. The goal is to expose more people to our outstanding Symphony Orchestra therefore the purchase of at least one season ticket is encouraged. Limited sponsor scholarships are available. But I m so busy..how can I fit in membership in Belles? The Belles program is not intended to add to the already busy schedule most women have; it is intended to enhance their busy schedule. The commitment is not overwhelming as the group typically meets only once a month for 2 hours. Most of the seminars and ushering opportunities are held on Sunday afternoons in a variety of venues around town. The request is this if you make a commitment to volunteer, honor the commitment or find your own replacement, a request that is common in most volunteer organizations of professional, busy individuals. All communication is via email. All sign-ups will be done manually on September 22 and the Belles themselves are asked to keep track of their volunteer responsibilities. (It is great practice for life after high school.) Every woman needs to become what she has the ability to become. Unknown. I ve never ushered before. Will I be trained? What do I have to wear? You will be given training so you will know what our Symphony patrons expect from Belle volunteer ushers. Belles are asked to wear simple black dresses (not formals) to usher. These dresses should be tasteful and not provocative. Belles will be expected to wear formals for the Belle presentation. Seniors wear white gowns and gloves, and the juniors wear black gowns and gloves.
Juniors at Senior Present 2013-2014 Senior Belle Scholarship recipients Miss Natalie Criscione, Miss Rebecca McDonald and Miss Sarah Ann Porter with Mrs. Connie Wortham The Belle Photo Scrapbook A friend to all who shares her love of music, Ms. Connie Wortham is a woman of energy, passion, and love for the Symphony Belle program. Wearing her signature hat and infectious smile, Connie s dedication to the Belle program has been noted and recognized by the Friends Association of the Symphony Or-chestra. A scholarship of $500 will be given to a senior Belle who has completed two years of service as a Belle and exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and leadership in the Symphony Belles. This scholarship, given by FASO, honors Ms. Connie s time, talent, service, and special cha-risma that she continues to graciously and generously share with the Bryan/College Station communities and the Belle program. In addition, new in 2013 is the $1,000 Rose VanArsdel Music Appreciation Scholarship for Senior Belles! The goal of the Belle program is to provide opportunities for young women to enhance their social skills, to be exposed to and support the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra and its patrons, and to practice being a lady. The 2013-2014 Senior Symphony Belles at Senior Presentation visit us on the web at: http://bvso.org/about/symphony-belles/
Derby Day the primary fundraiser for the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra BVSO Golf Tournament Hands-On Self Defense Seminar Children s Rudder Auditorium
Etiquette Luncheon Our Wonderful Seniors Still Know How to Have Fun Senior Presentation
Belle and Father Waltz at Senior Presentation Ready to welcome our symphony patrons! Christmas
Ushers present flowers guest artist, Kathryn Woodward Volunteering at the KBTX Food For Families Drive. 2013-2014 Belles of Distinction serving more than 40 hours as a Symphony Belle Ushering at Rudder Auditorium