Member In Training
On behalf of the Midland Symphony Guild (MSG) Board of Directors, we would like invite you to become a supporter of West Texas’ largest professional performing arts organization. The Guild is one of the largest volunteer organization in Midland, devoting thousands of hours of volunteer service annually to the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale and other community organizations.
We have developed a training year for Members-In-Training (MITs). In order to be eligible for Active membership, MITs will complete mandatory training requirements during their first year in the Guild, which will focus on education and history of the Guild, the Symphony, and the Belle program. MITs will have different membership requirements than Active members and will not vote or hold office. The membership requirements of Member-In-Training (MIT’s) are outlined below.
Your daughter will be able to enter the Belle program upon your completion of your MIT year. In each of the following years, you will be required to fulfill the Active membership requirements. Your daughter will be required to earn five work credits each year (Freshman, Sophomore and Junior) for a total of 15 credits. Eligible Belles will be introduced as Freshman Belles and presented as Senior Belles at the annual Midland Symphony Guild Gala event.
One new adult membership with an 8th grade daughter to be a Belle is $50. For a new membership with a 9th or 10th grade daughter, add $280 for each year the daughter will be past 8th grade. All fees support MSG and the Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale.
Member-In-Training Requirements (Prospective Belle’s 8th grade year)
1. Pay all Guild financial dues/fees and Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale (MOSC) season tickets obligations by June 1st of 7th grade year.
2. Attend all three Member-In-Training (MIT) meetings. (Usually held sometime in September-February)
3. Attend at least three General Meetings each year. Meetings are held monthly, September-April, excluding December and February.
4. Fulfill an assigned placement on all fundraising projects of the guild, as requested.
5. Attend at least one MOSC concert during the training year.
All training requirements must be completed during the first year of training in the Guild in order to be eligible for Active membership.
Active Membership Requirements (Belle’s 9th -12th grade years)
1. Attend at least three General Meetings each year.
2. Pay all Guild financial dues & fees, and obtain an MOSC Season Subscription by September 1st of each year.
3. Serve on one Standing Committee.
4. Assist with all fundraising projects of the Guild, as requested.
If you would like to join the Midland Symphony Guild, please complete the application. We look forward to meeting you.
Midland Symphony Guild
Board of Directors
Midland Symphony Guild
Member-In-Training (MIT) Application
Explanation of Financial Obligations
1. Dues/Fees
| MIT | Freshman | Sophomore | Junior | Senior | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member Dues | $50.00 | ||||
| Belle Dues | — | $280.00 | $280.00 | $280.00 | $280.00 |
| Total | $50.00 | $280.00 | $280.00 | $280.00 | $280.00 |
If you have more than one Belle in the program, you are required to pay the applicable fees for each Belle, including the membership fee.
First-year freshman and sophomore Belles (joining after 8th grade) must pay ALL respective prior year(s) fees as well as current year fees.
2. Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale Season Subscription
In accordance with MSG bylaws (Article IV, Section 2.A): By September 1, all Active members and Members-in-Training must purchase an MOSC season subscription for at least one of the current Symphony concert series, or a current MOSC season subscription if invited to membership after September 1. In lieu of a MOSC season subscription, an Active Member or Member-in-Training may donate the cost of a season subscription to MOSC. All monies for MOSC Season Subscriptions will be paid directly to Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale, NOT to Midland Symphony Guild (MSG).
You will be required to show proof (receipt) of purchase or donation. The cost of MOSC season tickets can range from approximately $100 and up, depending on the concert series and seating level selected by you. The Guild and MOSC will provide additional information about MOSC season subscription at the Guild’s mandatory Orientation meeting in August and you may select and purchase the MOSC season subscription after this meeting.
If you choose to donate the cost of season tickets to MOSC, this does NOT relieve you and your Belle from the requirement to attend at least one MOSC concert during your MIT year.
Midland Symphony Guild Member and Belle Contract
We understand that 1) each Member of the MSG must remain an Active Member throughout the Belle’s participation in the Belle program; 2) that each Belle is committed to 15 service credits during her tenure in the program; 3) and that all Belle service credits, MSG Member’s attendance, committee assignments and Gala placements, financial obligations must be CURRENT and UP-TO-DATE to be eligible for Membership, Gala Presentation/Introduction and Belle Ball. Members/Belles that do not meet the requirements will be placed on RESTRICTED STATUS and or REMOVED from the Guild.