November 2025

My favorite online thesaurus failed me. I couldn’t find the exact word I was searching for to describe how the Jack C. Taylor Music Center looked, and how I felt as I entered the spectacular renovation and expansion for the very first time on September 26. And there were no words that could accurately convey the emotions provoked by the orchestra as they performed on opening weekend.

Over the coming nine months the newness will give way to becoming familiar.  The return home to Powell Hall at the new Jack C. Taylor Music Center will reconnect those of us who come often to the experiences we’ve always enjoyed. And for the newbies, it will hopefully draw them in, making them part of the audience to carry on the beauty of classical music and the vibrance of contemporary compositions into the future. A new epoch of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has begun.

So, my favorite thesaurus may have failed me, but Google did not. I entered a search for a meaningful quote regarding volunteering, and I was given three quotes:

Now more than ever, the members of the Symphony Volunteer Association (SVA) are vital to the success and continuance of the SLSO’s mission into the future. With every concert performance we are called to this service, but we know all work and no play is not healthy. So, come for the music, stay for the friendships. See you in Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center!

Suzanne Seibel
SVAPresident@slso.org

Hello, Volunteers!

It has been an incredibly exciting and busy time as we have returned home to Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center. I hope you have had the opportunity to experience the renovations firsthand, but if not, I invite you to join us soon. There are so many amazing opportunities to get involved and be a part of the team, and we need your help. We are now staffing almost every concert in Powell Hall, and many hands make light work!

I could not be prouder of the SVA. You have answered every call for help with enthusiasm and dedication and stepped up in so many ways to fill new positions and revive old ones. You have made our recent successes possible by giving your time, your talent, and your treasure! If you are looking for a new adventure, check out all the updates from our committees and teams. There is a place for everyone in the SVA!

Thank you for all that you do, and as always, let me know if you need anything.

-Andrea
AndreaB@slso.org

Alfredo DeLeon is the SLSO’s Youth Orchestra Manager. We asked him to tell us a bit about his history and the goals he seeks to achieve in his new position.

My name is Alfredo DeLeon, and I’m a Fairmont City, Illinois native and 2015 graduate of Collinsville High School. I started playing alto saxophone in fifth grade, though I originally wanted to play the euphonium. After seeing the saxophone featured in cartoons and other tv shows, I was drawn to it and decided to give it a try—I have absolutely loved it since then! Being the first musician in the family, my parents worked hard to make sure I had a decent instrument and that I didn’t miss out on any musical opportunities even though we didn’t have much money to make that happen. I owe my love for music to their dedication and commitment, and for that I can’t thank them enough!

After graduating from CHS, I attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education in 2020. While at SIUE, I had the opportunity to perform with the SIUE Wind Symphony as principal saxophonist for three years and, in 2019, I was honored to be named a winner of the SIUE Wind Symphony concerto competition. I was also an active member of the SIUE saxophone quartet, performing on both alto and soprano saxophone. During this time, I also served on the wind support staff for the Collinsville High School marching band from 2015 to 2019.

From 2020 to 2021, I served as an Assistant Band Director at Washington High School and Washington Middle School in Washington, Missouri. There, I co-taught the high school Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and the Pride of Washington Marching Band, worked with the 7th and 8th grade bands, and directed the WHS Pep Band. It was a year packed with learning and excitement for both the students and me, and, while my time there was short, I have many memories that I remember fondly of the musicians, their families, and my colleagues.

In 2021, I returned to Collinsville High School as the Director of Bands where I had the privilege of directing the CHS Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Jazz Band, as well as co-teaching the CHS Symphonic Band and Pep Bands. During my time at Collinsville, I was fortunate to witness many musical milestones. The marching band reached finalist status at the Illinois State Marching Band Championships for the first time in school history in 2022 and again in 2024. The Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the prestigious University of Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival in 2022, 2024, and 2025, and we were honored to perform at the Illinois Music Education Conference in 2025.

Teaching high school band was more than just a job for me, it was a passion. I loved every moment of working with students, guiding their growth, and watching them discover the transformative power of music. Directing ensembles and experiencing music together, whether in rehearsal or performance, has brought me some of the most fulfilling moments of my life. Though I’m no longer in the classroom, those experiences have shaped who I am, just as it has shaped—and continues to shape—the lives of so many of the students I had the privilege of teaching.

Currently, I serve as the Youth Orchestra Manager for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and as Co-Director of the St. Louis Wind Symphony Youth Ensemble. I’m especially grateful that I still get to connect with young musicians through these two incredible mediums—both are experiences that continue to inspire me and remind me why I fell in love with music education in the first place. Now, my goal is to help each YO musician get the most out of their experience, both on and off the stage. Through the resources, mentorship, and expertise provided by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the YO is able to achieve its goals of artistic excellence and robust educational opportunities. This partnership ensures that young musicians receive the absolute best guidance and support, empowering them to grow both technically and creatively.

I’m thankful for every opportunity I’ve had to grow as both an educator and a musician, and I remain dedicated to helping young people find their voice through music.

Our Coffee Concert Team has been extremely active so far this season. Here’s what they’ve accomplished:

Dave Propper, Team Lead
SVACoffeeConcerts@slso.org   

Education activities for the 2025/26 season got off to a howling success on October 19 with the inaugural family concert, the Halloween-themed Howl at Powell. Volunteers from Education Hosts and Music Playground, augmented by a few reassignments from Ambassadors, helped more than 1,400 guests explore the Jack C. Taylor Music Center with a scavenger hunt through the new and old sections of our beautiful facility. 

Children of all ages, many in Halloween costumes (including a few of our volunteers!), made spooky sounds with a theremin, banged away on a wide variety of percussion items, and had photos taken with ghostly apparitions.

Come join the fun as we help children experience the symphony; Education Programs fill the calendar all the way into May.

For information about Education Hosts, please contact Team Lead Elizabeth Crosby (SVAEduAmbassadors@slso.org).

The ETM Reimagined is on its way! The Educational Team has 8 teachers who are
offering 3 different prompts to their students.

Our resident composer, Kevin Puts, will be providing the students with a video introducing himself, talking a bit about the piece, and expressing his excitement that students will be using his music.

Another new feature this year is that the SVA is invited to choose a special “SVA Pick.” We plan to accomplish this by online voting from our ETM Committee.

Rose Ingraham, Chair
Patty Kaplan, Vice Chair
SVAExpressthemusic@slso.org

The Instrument Playground Committee, which has been on hiatus since the pandemic, is working with the SLSO Education Department to re-imagine IP as we return to the Jack C. Taylor Music Center under the new post-COVID protocols.

Harry Moppins, Chair
SVAInstrumentPlayground@slso.org

Picture the Music had a very successful 2024/25 season with many excellent artistic contributions which were displayed for the public in the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Magic House. The committee is currently preparing to start up again in the fall when the next piece of music is selected to inspire young artists from across our region.

Mike Darcy, Chair
Sue Darcy, Vice-Chair
SVAPicturethemusic@slso.org

Fourteen experienced and seventeen new SVA members have been confirmed for the Powell Hall Tours team for 2025/26. The Education Department has decided to discontinue tours for schoolchildren following Education Concerts this season. To help ensure a smooth re-opening of the newly renovated Powell Hall, no public tours will be held until 2026. Once SLSO staff complete documentation and tour logistics, team members will be notified about training plans. (Photo: Becky at the Forest Park concert)

Becky Brown
Tours Team Lead
SVATours@slso.org

The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra kicked off the 2025/26 season with a series of firsts, and the YO volunteers were there to support them: it was the first orientation and rehearsal for the new YO Manager, Alfredo DeLeon; it was the first time the YO rehearsed in Powell Hall at the new Jack C. Taylor Music Center; and it was the first time staff and volunteers alike had the opportunity to do a dry-run of concert procedures in advance of the grand reopening!

Prior to the concert rehearsal, 15 YO volunteers along with SLSO Education staff had the pleasure of helping with orientation activities planned by Mr. DeLeon. The YO musicians participated in activities that facilitated introductions to each other and familiarized them with the new spaces at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center. Pairs of volunteers kept the precisely timed activities on schedule—from gathering in the Met Bar to grab snacks and water, to filing into Powell Hall for rehearsal. Volunteers and staff played key roles in ensuring operations went smoothly.

If you didn’t get an opportunity to attend the rehearsal and hear for yourselves just how incredible these young musicians are, please mark your calendars for the YO’s season opener on Sunday, November 23rd at 3:00 pm, where they will be performing works from Johannes Brahms, Jennifer Higdon, and Edward Elgar. Tickets are priced at $10 and $20, depending on seat choice. The remaining concerts are scheduled for March 29th and May 31st.

Stephanie Randall and Martha Duchild
Youth Orchestra Team Leaders
SVAYouthOrchestra@slso.org

Cocktails and Conversation is an interactive Zoom event that began in 2021 during the COVID pandemic as a way for the SVA members to stay connected. Five years later, we’re still going strong! All conversations are on Zoom from 5-6pm. 

We hope everyone enjoyed the kickoff to our 2025/26 season last month with Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin! It was truly a memorable event, and we were very fortunate to have him as our opening guest speaker.

But that was just the beginning! Please join us for two more exciting Cocktails and Conversation Zoom meetings:

February 2026 (Date TBD): Hank Skolnick, SLSO Librarian since 2011. Hank is an accomplished bassoonist and has performed with many symphonies. He has been a faculty member at the Interlochen summer Arts Camp as well as a founder of two music publishing houses.  

Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Sarah Hogan Kaiser, Double Bass. Sarah graduated from Parkway South and is proud to be an alumna of our own SLSO Youth Orchestra.  She has been a member of the SLSO since 2004. During the summer, she serves as the Principal Bass with the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder. She has a funny story about “the wave”—you’ll have to ask her!

We hope you’re as excited as we are about our upcoming Cocktails and Conversation season!

Marilyn Humiston
Phyllis Traub
C and C Team Leaders

As we are still recovering from the brilliance and excitement of the beginning of this homecoming season, we reflect on the enormous amount of activity the SVA has had in the last three months assisting SLSO and our musicians, making sure everything was perfect for everyone back at the beautifully renovated Powell Hall at the new Jack C. Taylor Music Center.

The amount of activity in the SVA since July has no precedent. We are fortunate to have had many new members joining and rolling up their sleeves to help us support the symphony and its mission. All those membership changes flow to and through the SVA Directory, as contact information is recorded and passed on to all Committee Chairs, so they can reach out to all of you for volunteer opportunities. We are a well-oiled machine, working together to bring you to the right role.

For this reason, please remember to keep us updated on two fronts: first, your committee preferences, so we know which committees you are interested in, and second, your contact information (should it change), so the Directory team can always have Committee Chairs updated on how to reach you.

You can keep us updated on these two fronts either through your Committee Chair or by contacting directly SVADirectory@slso.org.

Remember, the SVA Directory is available in two formats: online and printed. The online version can be accessed in the SLSO.org website, in the Support Us /  Volunteer  / News and Member Resources section, where you will find a link to open the Directory file (it is password protected for privacy reasons; you will find information on how to get the password under the link). The printed version is always available at any of our member meetings and gatherings.

I hope you are all enjoying the beginning of this stunning season as much as we are. Please remember to reach out at SVADirectory@slso.org with any questions.

We hope to see you all at Powell soon!

Ruben Sanchez
SVA Directory Team Lead
SVADirectory@slso.org

The Hospitality Committee’s Musicians Breakfast was a resounding success. The volunteers contributed an amazing amount of delicious food, which was set up in the new Musician’s Lounge. We then went outside to welcome the musicians as they arrived. The first thing out of the musicians’ mouths as they entered the lounge and looked at the spread was, “Wow!” They thanked the SVA profusely. Any food not eaten prior to the rehearsal was left to be enjoyed during the break and some of the food was taken to the staff lounge. 18 members provided food for the musicians.

Marjorie Smith and Janice Seele are putting together a hospitality calendar to be shared with the committee covering the entire year. We are set to provide treats to the musicians, SLSO chorus, IN UNISON chorus,  staff, ushers and stagehands, trustees, and Youth Orchestra members.

Janice Seele, Co-Lead
Marjorie Smith, Co-Lead
SVAHospitality@slso.org

We welcomed a record number of new members this last quarter, 24 in total!

Joined in July 2025

Joined in August 2025

Joined in September 2025

Our success was due to the publicity the SVA received in the July SLSO e-News and the media coverage surrounding the reopening of Powell Hall and the opening of the Jack C. Taylor Music Center. We cannot stress enough the importance of publicity and teamwork between the SLSO and SVA.

The 2025/26 season will bring exciting and expanded volunteer opportunities for our members. We will need all the members we can get! Please remember, every SVA member is a member of the New and Prospective Membership Committee. Sharing your volunteer experiences and enthusiasm is a powerful recruiting tool. 

If you have any ideas on how to recruit new SVA members, please contact us at SVANewandProspective@slso.org.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Elizabeth Hahn, Chair
Connie Wepfer, Vice-Chair
SVANewandProspective@slso.org

The first event of the SVA Meetings and Events Committee took place on Friday, October 10th at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center. A lovely buffet provided by Russo’s along with fall-themed decorations welcomed the more than 92 members and staff.

The Meetings and Events Committee arrange general Membership Meetings three times a year, usually in October, February/March, and June. During these meetings the SVA conducts business and provides Symphony updates while the members enjoy a meal and listen to a short program by an SLSO musician.

Committee members attending were Terri Ciccolella, Chair; Jean Kennedy, Co-Chair; Don and Meg Riechman, Teri Steinberg, Liz Deighton, and Penny Bari.

Marie-Hélène Bernard, President and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, opened the program by thanking the SVA for all our help during the two-year renovation of Powell Hall. The SVA played a crucial role both by volunteering our time, effort, and financial support. She also discussed the 2025/26 season and the importance and making music available to everyone.

The program continued with the gifted Second Violinist, Nathan Lowry, a Nashville native and accomplished performer appointed to the SLSO in 2023, who dazzled us with two magnificent violin pieces.

Following the dinner, President Suzanne Seibel recognized the committee and the 32 new members who joined the SVA since May. Past presidents in attendance were also recognized. Suzanne also encouraged members to join the Mentoring program, a wonderful way to welcome new members to the organization.

Upcoming events to add to your calendar include Winter Brunch on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Terri Ciccolella, Chair
Jean Kennedy, Vice-Chair
SVAMembership@slso.org

Kathryn Snodgrass continues to receive requests and sends cards in sympathy or with well wishes. Anyone in the SVA membership is encouraged to contact Kathryn at SVAEngagement@slso.org, requesting written recognition of fellow volunteers’ needs or celebrations.

Kathryn Snodgrass, Team Lead
SVAEngagement@slso.org

As the new season launched, the Pick and Choose team has been actively called upon for a variety of projects. While several of these have been in support of the philanthropy department, some assisting with mailers, there are other opportunities from other departments that will reach out to our team. The education department has had several professional development workshops scheduled throughout the Fall and into February and has requested several SVA volunteers. Photo (left) was taken at the registration for the first series of teacher professional development workshops.

Left to right, Lexi Becker, SLSO Staff; Jessica Ingraham, SLSO Staff; Kathryn Norwood, SVA; Paul Kravitz, SVA.

Some of the events are short notice, and the sign-up email may be sent with less than a week or two before the event. There are also times when it is not always certain how many days or how much time will be needed, and your shift may be canceled because the project was completed earlier than expected. However, your assistance, willingness to step forward, flexibility, and understanding, is key to our role in support of the Symphony and staff. While some of these activities may not involve working directly with patrons, they are always great opportunities to meet new friends and get better acquainted with other SVA volunteers. If you have or can make the time, whenever you see an email from Pick and Choose, remember to sign up and “…stay for the friendships!”  

Sharongay Pearline, Chair
Judy Brown-Rowden, Vice-Chair
SVAOneandDone@slso.org

We welcomed four new volunteers to the Advocacy Committee. The next major activity will be the Arts Advocacy Day in February, tentatively set for February 4, 2026. This will be especially important given the lack of state funding in this year’s budget. We’ll need to do better next year. Please circle that date on your calendar. We hope to get a bus to Jefferson City next year.

We appreciate your efforts on behalf of the SLSO. We’re always looking for new members for the SVA Advocacy Committee. Every voice counts. Please let me know if you have candidates. LaVerne or Paul will reach out to them.

Paul Kravitz, Chair
LaVerne Moseley, Vice-chair
SVAAdvocacy@slso.org

Our Ambassadors have two main efforts: Shuttle Buses and Powell Hall. Willard Moseley runs the Shuttle bus hosts, and Jim Moore works with the team in Powell Hall.

In September, 35 volunteers provided 264 hours of service to the SLSO. It was a busy month with volunteer training, the soft opening, the concert in Forest Park, and Opening Weekend. It was a bit hectic, but volunteers stepped up to answer lots of questions, help resolve any hiccups, and provide lots of welcoming smiles.

Shuttle hosts reported that the new bus company has been a hit with everyone! The buses were at Frontenac Plaza on time, or even early. The drivers have been very professional and friendly. All the buses have been kneeling buses, and almost all of them have had a step stool. Arrivals at Powell Hall have been smooth sailing to date. The new security system is great!

Within Powell Hall, Ambassadors have performed several new tasks:

Greeters: Two at main entrance on south side, one at the new Delmar entrance on north side. Greeters are located just past the area where ushers scan tickets. Greeters are primarily ambassadors for the symphony who smile, greet patrons, answer questions, and are welcoming. They also serve in the role we used to call Surprise & Delight. Patrons identified as first timers or donors will be sent by the usher to the greeters to receive a token of the SLSO’s appreciation. We will have an apron with pockets to give patrons their gifts.

Wayfinders: Three people stationed at key access points, primarily directing patrons to where they want to go. Wayfinders are getting to know the layout of the Jack C. Taylor Music Center and how to get from one area to another: Donor Lounge, seating, bars, SVA desk, quiet room, bathrooms, etc.

SVA desk: Two people at our own spot in the refurbished hall! SVA desk is located at the bottom of the

grand staircase, where we used to serve tea during coffee concerts at the bottom of the grand staircase. This is where volunteers check in each time they volunteer at Powell Hall. Again…our primary job is always being an ambassador. Answering questions, directing traffic, talking to patrons, and being a welcoming presence. And, of course, also recruiting new volunteers. 

We will use Signup Genius to staff all the concerts this season. This will simplify signups and provide reminders prior to volunteer assignments. There are about 113 of us signed up now, and with 8 people at every concert, we should have plenty of chances to volunteer in the Jack C. Taylor Music Center.

Sign up early and often!

Greeters, Wayfinders and SVA Desk

Shuttle Bus Hosts

Jim Moore, Chair
Willard Moseley, Vice-chair
SVAAmbassador@slso.org

The former Boutique will now be titled “Merchandise.” A limited amount of merchandise will be available and sold in the new “Bistro” locations. There will be items to purchase immediately, and a larger array of SLSO-related items will be available for sale online. More details to come as they are made available.

Christine Henry, Chair
Karen Silsby, Vice Chair
SVABoutique@slso.org

The Friends Committee has completed their 3rd list of calls and has been able to keep up the pace. Hopefully, we will have many more donors to thank now that Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center has reopened to the public.

This link leads to a fascinating explanation of tuning, the circle of fifths, and other interesting tidbits. Just CLICK HERE.

Your General Board consists of the Executive Committee; Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs, who fall under one of the three VPs; and Team Leads, whose groups take on recurring tasks within certain committees.

All these leaders are available, via their “official” SLSO emails, to welcome you into their committees/teams, answer questions, and generally provide resources to enrich your SVA experience.  All Execs, Chairs, and Team Leads have SLSO emails, as listed below. Vice-Chairs do not have SLSO emails but are listed below for completeness.