ABOUT THE JACKSON SYMPHONY LEAGUE
Mission Statement
The Jackson Symphony League is a volunteer organization dedicated to the support of The Jackson Symphony through fundraising, education, and social activities while fostering an appreciation of music throughout West Tennessee.
History
Established in 1962, The Jackson Symphony League is an indispensable auxiliary of The Jackson Symphony. The League provides a wide range of services and fundraising support for the orchestra, while generating ticket sales and sparking community interest and involvement. The League was patterned after the Memphis Symphony League and was organized through the leadership of the first president Mrs. Robert Barnett, assisted by Mrs. Sally Pigford, Mrs. Louis Pascal, Mrs. Sally Erb, and Mrs. Marjorie Miller. The Jackson Symphony League is affiliated with the League of American Orchestras. League officers have greatly benefited from LAO publications and regional and national LAO meetings.
How We Serve
Educational Outreach Projects: The award-winning Color of Music program which began twenty-three years ago encourages thousands of West Tennessee students from public, private, and home schools to listen to and interpret classical music into a visual art form. All artwork is evaluated by judges, selections are made, and the winning works of art are to be on display in the main lobby of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, sponsor of this endeavor.
Each year, The Color of Music program offers students and teachers an opportunity to experience one of the Symphony’s Open Rehearsals, viewing how the conductor, soloist, and musicians work together to create the highest quality musical performance.
The Symphony of Color project, sponsored by West Tennessee Healthcare, exposes adults with special needs from the Therapy and Learning Center to symphonic music. These artists translate their experience into a meaningful work of art. Judges select several of these for public viewing in the Cardiac Rehab Center area of the Jackson Madison County General Hospital.
Ushering for Open Rehearsals: The League serves as ushers at the Symphony’s Open Rehearsals that both children and adults may attend.
Musician Hospitality: The League provides food and beverages at the Symphony rehearsals and for musicians at various Symphony events. Visiting musicians often stay in the homes of League members, as well as in local homes in the community through the Jackson Symphony Board’s Musician Housing Task Force Program, creating strong bonds among participants. Those interested in taking part in the housing program may contact the Symphony office for information: 731-427-6440.
Fundraisers: The League supports The Jackson Symphony financially throughout the year by attending concerts and fundraisers presented by The Jackson Symphony, as well as with their own fundraisers, the Christmas Sweet Shoppe, and the annual Crystal Ball to be presented the last Saturday of January.
Symphony League Ambassadors: High school students, whose parents are active League members, assist in ushering at all symphony concerts in addition to aiding the League in other service projects throughout the year. Their time is recorded and can be counted as community service volunteer hours. Senior Ambassadors are recognized at The Crystal Ball as a thank you for their service.
