By GARRY L. CLARK

By GARRY L. CLARK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
HE MELODIC LINE OF A piece of music is of utmost importance to the overall composition. However, without the underpinnings of the various harmonies that support and define its beauty, it can lack the depth that outlines its potential greatness.
And so it is with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra is the melody as it were, but without the support of its ancillary organizations, it would not enjoy the fine reputation it has built throughout the region.
One of those organizations is the Youngstown Symphony Guild. Originally called the Youngstown Philharmonic Guild back when the orchestra was called the Youngstown Philharmonic Orchestra, the Youngstown Symphony Guild provides funds each year along with special projects to support the orchestra.
The organization was founded in 1956 by seven women who met with John Krueger, the orchestra's conductor at the time. Those first meetings were held at the Hotel Pick Ohio. Later, as the organization grew and formalized itself with a slate of officers, first headed by Peg Womack, the group met at the Women's City Club.
Its primary concern then, as now, was to support the orchestra as both ticket holders and volunteers in fund raising.
Activities
The guild's efforts on behalf of the orchestra have been wide and varied. From early events such as fashion shows and lunches as well as the annual opening night gala, symphony ball and Dream Makers Draw (a staple for the last 30 years), to its current endeavors, the organization has undertaken its mission to provide financial support to the orchestra.
Monies raised are given with "no strings attached," according to Mary Lou Weibel and Emily Powers, both past presidents of the organization. The funds go into the general fund to be used where needed most.
In addition to the regular fund-raising activities, the guild also takes on special projects to raise funds over and above its regular commitment for special purposes. Past examples of that include the renovation of the stage at Edward W. Powers Auditorium a number of years ago as well as funding the Garnet Klepfer Fund, a scholarship for selected young players in the Youth Orchestra.
Another main fund-raiser for many years was the "101 Lunches," begun in 1976 with the express purpose of furnishing the kitchen. That project did indeed furnish the kitchen with equipment as well as many other items, including the china that is still in use, most recently at the opening night gala in October.
Guild members are encouraged to be season ticket holders, and may join on either an active level or a supporting level of membership. Active members pay $20 in dues and are involved with planning and running the organization's activities. Those who are supporting members at $35 do not participate as much, although they are always encouraged to do so.
Fresh ideas
This year's president, Susan Huber, was able to attend the American Symphony Orchestra League Convention this past summer in San Francisco, and, according to Weibel and Powers, returned with many fresh and new ideas for fund-raising activities.
Four new fund-raisers are planned this year, and members are excited at the prospects they provide. Among them will be "Musical Masterpieces," in which old donated musical instruments will be decorated and transformed by local artists to be raffled off.
Two tours also are planned. One will be "Harmony of Homes," a tour of the "Glen" area of Boardman, and the other will be "Medley of Churches," which will feature stops at historical churches in downtown Youngstown.
The fourth new fund-raiser will be "Notable Valentine Suites," a dessert event for families.
Membership in the guild numbers at around 200, and new members are always welcome.
The benefits, according to Weibel and Powers, are innumerable.
"If I hadn't joined the guild, I would never have known the wide variety of ethnic backgrounds of people in this town," says Powers, "because Greek women, Italian women, Lebanese -- all kinds of women -- most of them were true music lovers ... I'm an imported product to the Youngstown area. I grew up near Philadelphia, and I had in a way a sort of provincial upbringing. I was not privy to meeting all kinds of people where I lived and where I went to school, and I just love it [here]. We've had a wonderful time."
For her part, Weibel, a native of West Virginia, credits the guild with having a profound impact on her. "The symphony guild is the most important organization in my life experience," she said. "It truly changed the kind of life I might otherwise have led."
clark@vindy.com
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