From our President:
Midland Symphony Guild (MSG) is excited to begin its 59th year of supporting the Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale (MOSC) and also supporting the local area performing arts in the Permian Basin. MSG began with the goals of supporting and raising funds for our local symphony music program. Over the past five decades, that effort has grown into a non-profit organization that provides annual financial and volunteer support to MOSC and its various productions and events. MOSC enriches the communities of both Midland and Odessa by showcasing world-class performers, local artists and musicians and featured presentations.
MSG is comprised of members who invest both time and money in their local communities. Last year, MSG donated more than 1000 volunteer hours at 700 different events. The majority of these service hours were contributed by our Symphony Belles, daughters of our MSG members. Each Belle is required to complete 15 service events throughout their years in the MSG program (9th-12th grades). This requirement of service fosters both a sense of giving back to the community and appreciation for the talented artists and musicians. In addition, to the MOSC, our Belles volunteer with community organizations such as Safe Place of Midland, Midland Festival Ballet, Museum of the Southwest, Arts Council of Midland, Permian Basin Opera, Midland Community Theater and the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center. We are so proud of our Belles.
We sponsor two events for our Belle each year. We formally introduce our Freshman Belles in January and in early February we will host our 58th Gala Weekend. This annual tradition is our biggest fundraising event for the year and provides an opportunity to highlight MOSC and the Guild’s connection to fine arts in the Permian Basin, as well as showcase the many accomplishments of our Senior Belles. The weekend includes a black-tie dinner to present and honor our Senior Belles, along with many members and patrons, for their years of service tot MSG and the Midland community.
It is my honor to serve of President of the Midland Symphony Guild this year. I look forward to working alongside many wonderful men and women while also having the privilege to experience exceptional performances and events. For our Belles, friendships will be formed, a spirit of service instilled, and a love of the arts encouraged. Even through this uncertainty and ever-changing environment of this year, the Arts are an important part of our community and I look forward to working with the all our fine arts community to find and develop “out of the box” ideas and events which will continue to make the arts such an significant presence in the basin. Thank you Midland and Odessa for continuing to support our Arts community for another season.
Melissa Wicker
2021-2022 President
Midland Symphony Guild