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Our Mission:
To promote the growth and
development of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra for the pleasure and
education of residents of Greater Omaha and the States of Nebraska
and Iowa.
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HISTORICAL SUMMARY |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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2000 |
Moved the Designer Showhouse to an autumn
time frame and set new records with a newly-constructed
technological dream house. |
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2003 |
Created website for the Omaha Symphony
Guild. |
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Had a new fundraiser "Meet Michael
Feinstein", a champagne and dessert reception following the opening
concert of the 2002-03 SuperPops Series. |
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Redesigned Grace Notes, the Guild's
quarterly newsletter. |
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Showcased Rhapsody Revealed as the 2002
Omaha Symphony/ASID Designer Showhouse. Over 12,000 guests
toured the former Renstrom mansion. |
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Contributed a total of $220,500 to the
Omaha Symphony and associated orchestral activities. |
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2005 |
Developed a unique
collaboration with the University of NE 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. |
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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. |
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2006 |
Donated a total of $195,000 to the Omaha
Symphony, OAYO Scholarship Fund, and the new Musician Tribute Fund.
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Introduced three new fundraisers in lieu
of Designers' Showhouse: 2005 Table Art; 2006 Designer Derby;
and 2005-06 Panera "Dough for Funds." |
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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. |
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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. |
