Odessa Symphony Guild

It is a privilege to serve as President of the Odessa Symphony Guild for the 2026–2027 season. For nearly seven decades, the Guild has been an important part of the cultural life of West Texas, bringing together people who share a love for the arts, a commitment to service, and a desire to ensure that symphonic music continues to thrive in our community.

Since its founding in 1958, the Odessa Symphony Guild has grown from a small group of dedicated music supporters into an organization whose impact reaches far beyond the concert hall. Through our partnership with the West Texas Symphony, our members provide both financial support and countless hours of volunteer service. We are proud to stand alongside the musicians, directors, students, families, and community members who make the arts such a meaningful part of life in the Permian Basin.

One of the Guild’s greatest sources of pride is our Belles and Beaux program. Each year, more than 100 students in grades 9–12 learn the importance of giving back through service to the Guild, the West Texas Symphony, and other organizations throughout our community. In a single season, our Belles and Beaux have contributed more than 1,200 volunteer hours. Watching these young people grow in leadership, responsibility, and service is one of the most rewarding parts of our mission.

The Guild is equally committed to investing in the future of the arts. Our support includes significant annual contributions to the West Texas Symphony, grants for arts initiatives throughout West Texas, and scholarships for graduating senior Belles and Beaux. In recent seasons, we have continued to expand that commitment. This year we were able to give $15,000 in grants to support arts initiatives in West Texas, and we were able to award eight $2,500 scholarships to very deserving belles and beaux. These investments allow us not only to support the arts today, but also to encourage the young people who will carry that appreciation forward.

Our members serve in many other ways throughout the year. We help sponsor symphony performances and provide meals for directors and musicians through our Sound Bytes program. Behind each of these efforts are Guild members generously giving their time, talents, and resources to support the people who bring exceptional live music to West Texas.

Each February, we also come together for one of our most cherished traditions, the Symphony Ball. This special evening is both a celebration and a culmination of the Belles and Beaux season, giving us the opportunity to recognize our senior Belles and Beaux for their years of service while celebrating the dedication of all of our participating students and families. This year’s theme is Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and our ball committee has been working diligently to plan an unforgettable evening!

As we begin the 2026–2027 season, I am grateful for the generations of women who built this organization and for the members who continue their legacy today. Their commitment has allowed the Odessa Symphony Guild to remain a strong advocate for music, education, and the arts for nearly 70 years.

We hope you will continue supporting the Odessa Symphony Guild by becoming a Patron Member. Patron membership offers the same benefits and privileges as active membership, with the exception of voting or holding office within the Guild. Patron dues for the 2026-2027 year are $100 and should be submitted to our treasurer, Katie Sparks, by January 12, 2026. When submitting your payment, please be sure to include “PATRON” on the form of payment so it can be properly designated.

Our Patron Liaisons, Ashley Capellini and Connie Drager, are looking forward to hosting a special event for our patrons this spring. Additional details and invitations will be shared as the event approaches. I am truly grateful for your continued support of the Odessa Symphony Guild. Your generosity and involvement make it possible for us to continue supporting the West Texas Symphony while strengthening and celebrating the arts throughout our community.

I look forward to all that we will accomplish together this year. Thank you for supporting the Odessa Symphony Guild, the West Texas Symphony, and the arts that enrich our entire West Texas community.