Utah Symphony & Opera Education

About the Utah Symphony Guild. . .

The Guild is a volunteer organization comprised of men and women who enthusiastically support the operation of the Utah Symphony Orchestra financially, socially, and educationally. Thousands of hours of work go into the Guild's activities, all of which are managed and staffed by volunteers.

Currently the Guild's financial contributions to the Symphony come primarily from the Symphony Ball, the Symphony Gift Shop and other fundraisers. During the 2004-2005 year (September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2005) these projects raised approximately $118,000.00.

Last year, through the Fifth-Grade Docent Concerts, over 23,000 fifth graders in Utah attended concerts at Abravanel Hall. Approximately one hundred docents visit the classrooms before the concerts helping to introduce the students to the wonderful world of classical music through specially designed presentation materials.

The Music Out Reach is a program in which disadvantaged youth receive free music lessons on stringed instruments from volunteer music teachers.

The Symphony Gift Shop is "open for business" at every Symphony concert. All profits from the gift shop go to support the Utah Symphony. Guild members and other volunteers staff the gift shop during concerts. The shop generated $15,000.00 of the Guild's donation to the Symphony in 2005.

The Utah Symphony Youth Guild committee is dedicated to the encouragement and support of young musicians. The committee helps plan and supervise Youth Guild activities such as Master Classes, hosts a reception following the Salute to Youth concert and helps with the Youth Guild Recital Competition, which provides cash and performance awards to the young musicians. The young Youth Guild members staff the coat check booths and perform in the lobby prior to concerts and at Symphony Guild functions.

Guild members arrange for and attend a Membership Tea and 8 social events during the year featuring programs of educational and musical interest. The Guild also publishes a newsletter, CLASSICAL NOTES and a membership directory.

Throughout the year Guild members help with the Season Ticket Renewal campaign and host a luncheon between rehearsal times for the orchestra each spring at which orchestra members and Guild members enjoy socializing together. They volunteer many additional hours to Symphony Guild activities.

The Symphony Guild participates in the Salt Lake Council of Women and the Women's Legislative Council. On a national level, Guild officers attend the conventions of the American Symphony Orchestra League and the Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers. (AMSOV) Guild representatives have made presentations for both organizations.