The Friends Association of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra invite you to join The 2013-2014 Symphony Belles Obligations o f Belle membership There are three primary obligations: usher at performances, volunteer at Belle sponsored activities, and fulfill the financial responsibilities. Each Belle is responsible for: Ushering at 3 Symphony Orchestra performances per year. Attending 3 scheduled seminars, training sessions, or activities. (2 for seniors) Accumulating 4 service hours by: volunteering at FASO special events such as Derby Day, participating in special Belle service projects such as the KBTX Food Drive, creating appreciation cards for Symphony members, or assisting with the preparation of hospitality gifts. Bringing one requested hospitality item for Orchestra members. (such as pretzels, candy, or grapes) August 2 August 18 September 22 September 29 October 13 October 14 November 1 November 10 November 24 December 8 December 11 December 15 January 13 January 18 January 26 February 15 February 23 March 20-22 March 30 April 26 May 3 Symphony Belle Calendar* Last day to turn in Belle Application Sweet Summer Social for new Belles and their moms Information Session and sign up for year's activities Mandatory Usher Training at TAMU Rudder Theatre (all NEW Belles) BVSO Golf Tournament Dressed to a Tea Belle Seminar (TBA) Holiday - Christ UMC KBTX Food for Families Drive Christmas party Children's Etiquette Luncheon Etiquette Luncheon Premiere Marketplace Belle Banquet & Senior Presentation Derby Day * Dates subject to change based on venue availability. ** A small fee will be assessed for this luncheon. Except where noted, all concerts will be held at Rudder Theatre on the Texas A&M campus. Symphony Belles Sweet Summer Social Sunday, August 18 3pm-4:30pm Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra Summer Social will be held at the Brazos Cotton Exchange which is located in the Howell Building at 200 S. Main in Downtown Bryan. Attire: Summer Sundress or skirt Symphony Belle Chairs Cindy Craigen 979-229-6378 cindycraigen@verizon.net Julie Colunga 979-204-7001 jamcolunga@suddenlink.net Thank you for responding by August 8 to Cindy Craigen cindycraigen@verizon.net (979)229-6378 Early applications are encouraged and welcomed. Space is limited. Not all who apply can be accepted. Priority is given to returning Belles and new Junior applicants.
Introducing The 2013-14 Brazos Valley Symphony Belle Program Who can be a Brazos Valley Symphony Belle? Membership is open to high school junior and senior women attending a public, private, or home high school in the Brazos Valley. Typically, women enter the program as a junior and are Belles for their junior and senior years in high school. What is FASO? The Symphony Belles organization is administered and supported by the Friends of the Symphony Orchestra (FASO) and the FASO Board s desire is that your parent be a member of FASO. The membership dues of FASO promote and support the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. FASO believes that classical music is an integral part Why consider membership in Symphony Belles? Having an activity on your resume that speaks of going above and beyond to expose yourself to the arts is a positive way to set yourself apart from other college applicants. In addition to having an activity to add to your resume, the exposure you will gain by attending performances of the Symphony Orchestra, as well as social skills seminars imbedded in the Belle program will build your self confidence so you can successfully navigate in any social situation be it sorority rush in college, applying for highly selective college campus organizations, or finding that all important first job out of college. Belles have fun meeting and working with other high school women in the community. What about season tickets? Can I be a Belle without purchasing a ticket? Yes and no. Belle applicants must have a sponsor (either a parent or grandparent) who agrees annually to purchase at least one season ticket to the Symphony Orchestra for each year the applicant is a Belle. The goal is to expose more people to our outstanding Symphony Orchestra therefore the purchase of at least one season ticket is encouraged. Limited sponsor scholarships are available for those with financial need. But I m so busy..how can I fit in membership in Belles? The Belles program is not intended to add to the already busy schedule most women have; it is intended to enhance their busy schedule. The commitment is not overwhelming as the group typically meets only once a month for 2 hours. of the cultural life of the community Most of the seminars and ushering and desires to assist in educating and opportunities are held on Sunday inspiring citizens of the Brazos Valley to afternoons in a variety of venues around appreciate fine music. The Brazos Valley town. The request is this if you make is fortunate to have a strong Symphony a commitment to volunteer, honor Orchestra and a vibrant support the commitment or find your own organization for the Symphony. replacement, a request that is common in most volunteer organizations of professional, busy individuals. All communication is via email. All sign-ups will be done manually on September 22 and the Belles themselves are asked to keep track of their volunteer responsibilities. (It is great practice for life after high school.) 2011-2012 Junior Symphony Belles I ve never ushered before. Will I be trained? What do I have to wear? Every woman needs to become what she has the ability to become. Unknown. You will be given training so you will know what our Symphony patrons expect from Belle volunteer ushers. Belles are asked to wear simple black dresses (not formals) to usher. These dresses should be tasteful and not provocative. Belles will be expected to wear formals for the Belle presentation. Seniors wea white gowns and gloves, and the juniors wear black gowns and gloves.
Juniors at Senior Present Randi Mays-Knapp & Rhonda Raphael with Lauren Cummings, the 2010-11 Connie Wortham Scholarship winner. The Belle Photo Scrapbook A friend to all who shares her love of music, Ms. Connie Wortham is a woman of energy, passion, and love for the Symphony Belle program. Wearing her signature hat and infectious smile, Connie s dedication to the Belle program has been noted and recognized by the Friends Association of the Symphony Or-chestra. A scholarship of $500 will be given to a senior Belle who has completed two years of service as a Belle and exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and leadership in the Symphony Belles. This scholarship, given by FASO, honors Ms. Connie s time, talent, service, and special cha-risma that she continues to graciously and generously share with the Bryan/College Station communities and the Belle program. In addition, new in 2013 is the $1,000 Rose VanArsdel Music Appreciation Scholarship for Senior Belles! The goal of the Belle program is to provide opportunities for young women to enhance their social skills, to be e posed to and support the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra and its patrons, and to practice being a lady. The 2010-11 Junior Symphony Bells at Senior Presentation check us out on the web http://bvso.org/about/symphony-belles-2/
Derby Day the primary fundraiser for the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra Usher Training at Rudder Theater Children s in early January Rudder Auditorium
Our Wonderful Seniors Still Know How to Have Fun Etiquette Luncheon @ Christopher s Senior Presentation
Christmas Party
Ushers present flowers guest artist, Kathryn Woodward Volunteering at the KBTX Food For Families Drive. Rhonda Raphael & Randi Mays-Knapp Former Belle Coordinators Ushering at Rudder Auditorium