The Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale (MOSC) was founded in 1962 when the then-modest individual orchestras of the two cities (Midland and Odessa, Texas) were combined under the leadership of Dr. Lara Hoggard. The MOSC currently includes a symphony of over 80 resident professional musicians and is ranked by the American Symphony Orchestra League as a metropolitan Orchestra. Considering that metropolitan orchestras are typically supported by an average population of 500,000 or more, Midland-Odessa's combined population of 200,000 is a remarkable statistical tribute to this young orchestra. The MOSC now holds the distinction of being the largest professional performing arts organization in West Texas.
Harriet Herd (l) & Billie Hunt
A special combination of organizational skills and optimism helped to ensure the MOSC's success. These talents were readily personified in the two founders of the Midland Symphony Guild. Mrs. J. Harvey Herd (Harriet) and Mrs. J. Wilmont Hunt (Billie). As board members of the newly formed Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale Association in 1962, the two women were the first to foresee the need for a strong women's auxiliary to provide support services and raise funds for the Symphony. Mrs. Herd and Mrs. Hunt, along with fellow Guild charter member Mrs. W.H. Gilmore, Jr. (Betty), formulated the Midland Symphony Guild's bylaws with a limited membership of 200. The Guild's first meeting was held in Mrs. Herd's home in the Spring of 1963. At this meeting, Mrs. Hunt was elected Chairman of the Board and Mrs. Sam Cobb (Betty) was selected the Guild's first President. Mrs. Hunt was responsible for establishing the Midland Symphony Debs (now the Belles) Program, while Mrs. Herd was the first chairman of the prestigious National Young Artists Competition. Another Guild charter member, Mrs. Raiford H. Burton (Ruth) was the primary force in the funding and construction of the Symphony's rehearsal hall.
Early Guild fund-raisers ranged from country bazaars to fashion shows and from formal balls to a bullfight held one year at the Ector County Coliseum. Now entering its 45th year, the Midland Symphony Guild's open membership boasts membership of over 400. Its efforts have grown to include the Symphony Belle Program, a New Member-in-Training program, an outstanding NYAC competition, community youth education projects and two annual New York City tours. Our 20th annual Gala is a two-day event which supports our Symphony and Chorale financially, presents our Senior Belles and introduces our Freshman Belles.
It is estimated Guild members yearly devote more than 20,000 hours of volunteer service to the Symphony, as well as other non-profit community events. Membership in the Midland Symphony Guild remains an honor and a privilege as its work continues to be a vital part of the future success of the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale.