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Crescendo
Lori Arizumi
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Symphony backers hit a new chord
For more than 60 years the Honolulu Symphony Associates have been proud to support the Honolulu Symphony. As last season unfolded, we found it especially important to revitalize our organization and create new strategies to reach into the community and serve this cultural treasure.
At a retreat in June, our board took a hard look at our mission and programs, and set goals for this year. Top priorities are to provide financial support for the symphony, to be a ready and able body of volunteers, to provide supplementary education opportunities and to help demonstrate and communicate the value of the symphony to our community.
The best ways to offer support are to attend concerts, donate generously, volunteer and voice your support to local government officials. When you become a member of the Honolulu Symphony Associates, you also become an important part of a unified effort to ensure music education for Hawaii's youth.
Benefits of membership include our "Concert Previews," in which guest conductors, artists and musicians share personal experiences; the chance to watch a rehearsal of the full orchestra; and other exclusive events. As a member of the Symphony Associates, you are a part of the symphony ohana, and we'll communicate with you regularly through our newsletter and e-mail updates.
We are excited to announce a new program, "Meet the Musicians," in partnership with Borders Ward Centre, a free public series to take place on the first Monday of each month beginning Oct. 6. Symphony musicians and other special guests will share career and teaching experiences as well as personal insights about the music in upcoming concerts, in a friendly environment where questions are welcome.
The Symphony Associates have a long history of exceptional events, all to bolster our financial support of the Honolulu Symphony.
"Sunset, Wine & Music" will be our major fundraising event for the fall, in October, as a kickoff to the new season. Specialty bottled wines, with our own custom labels, will be featured, along with a great pupu menu and entertainment by our youth Concerto Competition winners.
Throughout the year, we host tables in the Blaisdell Concert Hall lobby selling merchandise, which also supplements our fundraising. We'll be initiating an expanded online store (www.HonoluluSymphony.com).
HSA programs have always included educational, scholarship and performance opportunities for youth. We are committed to the musicians of the Honolulu Symphony and offer scholarships for lessons to students of symphony musicians. Our annual Concerto Competition gives Hawaii's talented youth the chance to compete to perform with the entire orchestra in a public concert that can be enjoyed by families and friends. We also provide volunteer support for Honolulu Symphony education programs in community schools throughout the year.
The Honolulu Symphony Associates welcome your support and participation. It's easy to join. Simply go to www.HonoluluSymphony.com and click on "Support the Symphony" to download an application, or e-mail SymphonyAssociates@gmail.com.
Lori Arizumi is president of the Honolulu Symphony Associates.