Each year the Symphony Ball debutantes participate in a community service project as part of the beginning of the debutante season. Proceeds from the Symphony Ball benefit the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. To highlight music and community service, this year the event joined efforts with two local organizations for their service projects: Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and Huntsville Hospital Foundation. The Service Project, which was held Friday, the 20th of May, 2016, started with the debutantes gathering at the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra office.
Julie Noles, immediate-past Education Director of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra (HSO), led the debutantes in their first service project of the day, as they cleaned the violins for the Huntsville Symphony School’s third grade violin program. Ms. Noles provided a history lesson to the group on the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony School and provided an impromptu violin lesson. While the debutantes were busy cleaning violins, they were entertained by the music of two young members of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra. Sharon Hicks, HSO Education Director coordinated the event for the Symphony Office.
The young ladies then boarded the 1920s vintage-inspired downtown Huntsville trolley for a ride to the campus of UAB Health Clinic. They were first served lunch, catered by former debutante Lindsey Jennings, owner of Dallas Mill Deli.
The Debutantes then assembled packets for their “Coloring Book Project.” The special coloring books depict exciting places from the City of Huntsville and highlight the orchestra and music. The coloring books were illustrated by the late Bill May, father of former Debutante Hughston May. Hughston updated the coloring book this year. The books will be given to Huntsville Hospital patients visiting the Pediatric Emergency Room and those in both the Pediatric Unit and the Pediatric ICU.
Huntsville Hospital Foundation also prepared a Career Planning Workshop Seminar, where the young ladies learned about the many different career paths within the Hospital. Speakers were young professionals from various departments including Business, Nursing, Radiology, and more. Many of the speakers were former Debutantes. Candy Burnett, President of Huntsville Hospital Foundation, kicked off the workshop with a career “baker’s dozen tips for success” presentation. Dr Libby Shadinger participated in the roundtable discussion.
Huntsville Hospital Foundation employee Jordan McMullan, who coordinated the hospital visit, is also a former debutante. Debutante Service Project coordinators from the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild were Lori Gregory, Bobsy Ingram, Elaine Pollard, and Joanna May. The young ladies will formally be introduced to the community during the 53rd Symphony Ball on October 29.
The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.
