An Award of Excellence

The 2007 Sharp/Flats loft tour won a “Gold Book Award of Excellence from the League of American Orchestras’. Judy Hyfield-Starr gave a presentation at the annual meeting of LOA held this June 2008 in Denver. Judy who is the past-president and was chairman of the 2007 event received this award on behalf of the Guild. The dedication of over 80 volunteers who worked for many months to put on this event contributed to the success that grossed in excess of $47,000... Our Guild was one of 10 in the nation recognized for this award.

Education and Outreach

Our Musical Zoo held in February was the most successful to date. We had over 600 parents and children enjoy a delightful day of performances and “petting” of instruments. As a result of renovations at Lincoln Center our 2009 Musical Zoo will be held at the Senior Center. This new location will enable us to expand our playing of instruments as well as stage another musical show. This event is aimed at child 3-10 years old.

We continue our Music in the Morning and plan to expand it to private elementary schools this year.

We had our first Bach Lunch in April. Prospective new members attended as guests. We had a wonderful box lunch than an address from our Musical Director, Wes Kenney. We were entertained by Chris Jusell playing violin and then adjourned to the Symphony rehearsal. We had 8 new members join that day. We will repeat this event on October 25, 2008 as a joint venture with the Association to bring new listeners, contributors and ticket holders to hear the Symphony.

We continue to provide refreshments for the Orchestra on Saturday rehearsals. This year they were surprised by a chocolate fountain, an Italian theme and the ever popular Mexican food.

You will always find many volunteers on board for the 4th, 6th & 8th grade concerts. We also hosted a reception for Bobby Mielke after her Mozart concert performance.

There was wonderful response to a plea from the Office Staff. Phones were answered, mailings sent out and questions answered by an array of enthusiastic Guild volunteers.

General Meetings

The Guild holds four general meetings a year. We began with a western barbeque, followed by a tea and performance by Brad Behn and April Johannesen Clarinetist in the orchestra accompanied by Roberta Mielke. In March we sang songs with Dr Ed Siegel at two wonderful lofts in Old Town. Our final meeting was a garden party with both the Guild and Symphony Boards in attendance. We welcomed the Symphony’s new Executive Director, Terese Kaptur at this event.

Fund Raising

We once again held a Sharp/Flats tour that included six beautiful lofts. The home owners were most gracious in opening their spaces and we were treated to brand new, historical restoration and complete makeover. We would love to do this again, but availability of new lofts will help determine if this will be our 2009 fundraiser. Our contribution this year to the Symphony was $27,000. We continue to be a major contributor to keeping music alive in Fort Collins.

At the writing of this letter, we just had our 3rd annual Margarita Mixer. Between that and our Bach Lunch we have 20 new members. So we can say proudly we are Forty Five Years and Growing. Come join us in supporting this wonder orchestra which is composed of all professional musicians and we consider the finest in Northern Colorado. We work hard but we have a lot of fun also!

Lynn A. Leedy, President