Early Experiences Shape Lifetime of SLSO Engagement for Donor
Music and the arts have been a presence in Neal Schroeder’s life for as long as he can remember. His earliest exposure to the SLSO came from his mother, Dorothy “Mim” Schroeder, whose love for the arts extended to volunteering at Powell Hall and the Fox Theatre.
“It was Muny free seats in the summer and SLSO seats in the winter,” Schroeder recalled.
His first visit to Powell Hall was a field trip in grade school. Though he doesn’t remember the program, he does remember its effect.
“It inspired me to join the band,” he said. “I think that was their plan with the field trip, and it worked.”
That early connection remained with Schroeder, but his deeper involvement with the SLSO was shaped by an unexpected source: his career. While working at Enterprise Mobility, he was invited to a special SLSO event celebrating the 75th birthday of Jack C. Taylor, the company’s founder and prolific SLSO supporter.
“Jack and the entire Taylor family’s passion for the SLSO and their support of the institution was inspiring,” Schroeder said.
He recalled the speech Jack Taylor gave that night, where he spoke about why the SLSO was personally meaningful to him and emphasized the orchestra’s importance to the city. That message resonated. Encouraged by colleagues who were also involved with the SLSO, Schroeder remained engaged with the organization. Years later, his connection grew even stronger when his new neighbors—SLSO Music Director Stéphane Denève and his family—became a part of his community.
Music has always been a fixture in Schroeder’s life, evolving through his admiration for rock and pop groups like The Beatles and The Ramones, along with Broadway musicals and the classic sounds of the Rat Pack. Yet, through all these musical explorations, one constant remained: classical music and the SLSO. Today, that connection has taken on a new dimension as he experiences the symphony through the eyes of his grandchildren, Lucy and Rowan.
“They love going to the SLSO, especially the movie performances,” he said. “The SLSO performances of The Muppet Christmas Carol is one of our favorites.”
For Schroeder, supporting the SLSO through the Annual Fund and the Music for All campaign is about ensuring that future generations have access to extraordinary music.
“The SLSO needs to be accessible to everyone so they can experience the joy it brings,” he said.
His commitment to giving is also personal.
“I wanted to honor my mom in a meaningful way for introducing me to the arts and the SLSO,” he said. “It has truly impacted my life in many ways, and it’s important that everyone has the opportunity to experience the SLSO for themselves.”
Through his continued generosity, Schroeder is helping to sustain the legacy of the SLSO—a tradition that began with his mother’s love for the arts and now extends to his grandchildren, ensuring that the music he treasures will continue to inspire for generations to come.
