Guild
Join a 32 Year Tradition
The Grand Junction Symphony Guild enjoys a 32 year tradition of supporting symphonic music and music education for children in the Grand Valley. The Guild is the primary organization that provides fundraising events and volunteers for the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra.
Opportunities to serve in the Guild are diverse and plentiful. Members of the Guild assist in office duties at the Symphony office, usher for concerts and conduct many successful fundraisers throughout the year. All commitments for fundraising and underwriting are voted on by members of the Guild and are subject to change each year. Here is a sampling of Guild activities from the last few years:
General Meetings
General membership meetings are held on the Monday before each concert and begin with refreshments and general business. Conductor Kirk Gustafson and the guest artist for the upcoming concert are special guests. They discuss the music for the upcoming performance and answer questions from Guild members.
Board Meetings
Meetings for members of the Guild executive board are held each month to discuss management of the Guild and its events. All members are invited to attend.
Brats in the Park
The Guild’s first fundraiser for the season, Brats in the Park, is held at Wells Fargo’s Evening Under the Stars. The free concert is open to the public and held in Lincoln Park. Attendees can enjoy a bratwurst as they sit and enjoy the sounds of the Grand Junction Symphony and the Centennial Band.
Lunch Bunch
This is an opportunity to enjoy socializing with fellow Guild members while dining at favorite Grand Valley restaurants.
Members Reception
The Members Reception is a special party for socializing with fellow Guild members and potential new members to learn more about the Guild and discuss upcoming events.
Afterglow Reception
This reception provides an opportunity for Guild members, Maestro Gustafson, Symphony board members, guest artists and other Symphony donors to socialize following a classical concert. The Guild hosts a special Afterglow Reception once each season.
Special Events
Enjoy special fundraising parties hosted in Guild members’ homes. The 2009-2010 season was loaded with excitement and fun events such as Fiesta Bar-B-Que, Oktoberfest and Hoedown.
Candlelight Dinner
This evening features wine, food and music centered around an Austrian Candlelight Dinner with Mozart on the Menu.
Young Artist Competition
The Symphony Guild is a key contributor to educational programming for children and students. The Guild supports the Young Artist Competition to provide an opportunity for musical artists under the age of 25 to compete for a guest artist spot with the Grand Junction Symphony.
Instrument Petting Zoo
The Instrument Petting Zoo provides students of all ages with the opportunity to learn more about the instruments of the orchestra and the option to try playing them! Through the Guild’s support, the Symphony was able to buy instruments and supplies for this exciting new program.
Children’s Concert & School Concert
The Guild’s continued support of GJSO children’s programs allows for the symphony to provide a Children’s Concert each year. The Guild hosts a reception following the Children’s Concert. In addition, the Symphony also provides a school concert to area schoolchildren at no charge.
Crystal Baton
Members of the Guild were excited to support this new composition competition that experienced overwhelming success in its first year. Students in 6th through 8th grade are invited to enter an original composition for review by a panel of professional musicians. The winning composition is then arranged, orchestrated and performed by the Grand Junction Symphony. The winning student receives a custom-made crystal baton and a bound copy of the score.
SymFUNy at the Avalon
The Guild provided underwriting support for this new GJSO event for area families. SymFUNy at the Avalon is a fun-filled day of carnival games, the Instrument Petting Zoo, magic, and music. The 2010 SymFUNy at the Avalon concluded with a showing of the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Springfest Luncheon and Fashion Show
Each Spring, small groups of Symphony musicians perform for area schoolchildren through the GJSO’s Springfest program. The musicians enjoy being in the classrooms and the students and teachers enjoy the excitement and interaction with the musicians. To raise funds for this program, the Guild hosts the popular Springfest Luncheon and Fashion show.
For information about how you can become a member of this dynamic group, please contact the Symphony office at 970-243-6787.
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