HISTORICAL SUMMARY
1957
The Omaha Symphony Guild was organized by the Junior League of Omaha to promote growth and development of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra and to cooperate with the Omaha Symphony Association in all related activities.
1958
The Youth Orchestra was organized for young musicians from Omaha and surrounding towns.
Concert Previews were initiated with Conductor Joseph Levine.
1961
Concerts for Youth were established to provide 4th, 5th and 6th grade youths an opportunity to attend a Symphony concert at the Orpheum Theater programmed especially for these grade levels.
1966
Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball was established as an annual fund-raising event traditionally held on December 27.
The Grace Notes was published to keep Guild members informed of Symphony and Guild activities.
1971
In-School Ensembles were established to provide ensemble concerts to schools.
1974
Music Study Circles were started for individuals interested in learning more about symphonic music.
1975
Omaha Symphony Designer Showhouse was established in cooperation with the Nebraska-Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers as a major fund-raiser project.
1976
Young Artist Competition was established to encourage young talent.
New Music Competition was established for composers of chamber music.
1977
Explorer Concerts for kindergarten through fourth grade age children were held for three years.
1978
The Special Audiences education program was started to provide concert experiences for students with learning and physical disabilities and to promote attendance among senior citizens.
1982
Guild Touring Trust Fund was established to provide seed money to rural communities to purchase Chamber concerts.
1983
The Omaha Symphony Radiothon was undertaken in cooperation with KYNN to test community support for another major fundraising event.
1984
Docent program was started to aid in the preparation of students attending the Concerts for Youth.
1985
Symphony Symposium, later called Backstage, was initiated as an after-hours organization for individuals interested in learning more about symphonic music.
Magic Carpet Concerts were started to offer concert experiences to children in pre-school through first grade.
1986
“Celebrate Creativity,” the Lorin Hollander Residency, was sponsored in cooperation with the Omaha Symphony Association.
1987
Orpheum Concert Previews were established for Symphony concertgoers.
KVNO began broadcasting the Preview Teas taped by Frank Bramhall.
A Bylaw change extended Guild membership to males.
1988
“The Gavel Club” was founded and Honorary Membership was given to Past Guild Presidents.
1989
Established a Long-Range Planning Committee for the OSG.
1990
Established “ENCORE!”, a post-concert dialogue involving concertgoers, the conductor, musicians and the guest artist. Initiated financial support for the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra Minority Scholarship program.
1991
Established Music Mentor Program which brings young musicians together with Omaha Symphony musicians for a day of workshops and performance.
1992
Established Vice-President of Administration of OSG executive committee.
First Instrument Petting Zoo.
1993
Gave equal rights to chairmen and associates.
1994
Re-established Advocacy Board Position.
1995
Pledged forward funding for the 1996-97 Family Concert Series.
1996
Pledged forward funding for the 1996-97 Choral Collaborative.
1997
Celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Omaha Symphony Guild by reestablishing the tradition of opening night parties with “First Night Finale” in conjunction with the Itzhak Perlman gala concert.
1999
Marked the 25th Showhouse with a Silver Anniversary Celebration uniting past designers’ Chairmen and Guild Chairmen Associates.
2000
Moved the Designer Showhouse to an autumn time frame and set new records with a newly-constructed technological dream house.
2003
Created website for the Omaha Symphony Guild.
Had a new fundraiser “Meet Michael Feinstein”, a champagne and dessert reception following the opening concert of the 2002-03 SuperPops Series.
Redesigned Grace Notes – the Guild’s quarterly newsletter.
Showcased Rhapsody Revealed as the 2002OmahaSymphony/ASID Designer Showhouse. Over 12,000 guests toured the former Renstrom mansion.
Contributed a total of $220,500 to the Omaha Symphony and associated orchestral activities.
2005
Developed a unique collaboration with theUniversityofNE Medical Center,the Office of International Health Care Services, ASID and the Symphony Guild for the 2005 Showhouse, Harmony for Hope-The Potter s House, an interim living quarters for UNMC transplant patients and their families during their treatment. Most of all the furnishings were purchased by UNMC and remained in the house when the showhouse public viewing ended.
The Debutante Ball provided a record income of $137,000 and was combined with the other guild fundraising profits to make the guild s total contribution to the Omaha Symphony Association of $218,500.
2006
Donated a total of $195,000 to the Omaha Symphony, OAYO Scholarship Fund, and the new Musician Tribute Fund.
Introduced three new fundraisers in lieu of Designers’ Showhouse: 2005 Table Art; 2006 Designer Derby; and 2005-06 Panera “Dough for Funds.”
Began recognition of the birthdays of each of the Musicians with a coupon from Panera Bread Company, part of the partnership with the Guild and Panera Bread.
Began planning a recognition dinner for the Symphony Musicians from the Guild. Began holding Board meetings in the community room in a partnership with Security National Bank.
2007
Celebrated 50th year.
Framed Proclamation presented to Guild designating April 22, 2007 as Omaha Symphony Guild Day by Mayor Mike Fahey.
Helped launch New Music Symposium, a new educational program for college-age composers.
2008
Held Table Art atLivestockExchangeBuildingwith Barbara Ohrbach as featured speaker.
Debutante Ball had a record year.
DesignerDerbyand Home Tour were held with the Past Presidents as Honorary Chairs.
Started a new fundraiser called Music & Masterpieces.
2009
Table Art “Rhapsody Into Spring” focused on the past history ofOmahaand the Guild. The presenting sponsor, Borsheim’s provided our guest speaker, Lord Wedgewood.
It was the 50th Anniversary for the OAYO.