08/30/12 ema

HAYS, Kan. -- Through 27 of the Hays Symphony Orchestra's 99 seasons of performance, the Hays Symphony Guild has supported the orchestra in many ways ranging from scholarships to renting music and providing honoraria to guests.

The guild began in 1985 as a way to garner memberships and financial support for the HSO from the greater Hays and Ellis County communities.

Dr. Terry Crull, president of the Hays Symphony Guild and assistant professor of music and theatre at Fort Hays State University, invites the community of Hays and the surrounding areas to join the Hays Symphony Guild to support symphonic culture on the high plains.

"As we approach our 100th year of great orchestral music, support from our listeners is ever more important," said Crull. "Support is greatly needed to keep the HSO in good standing."

"We have a Century Campaign called '100 for the 100th' where we will strive to get 100 donors who each support the HSO at the $100 level," said Crull.

The 100th season of the orchestra will include the centennial celebration full of special performances and events.

Several levels of membership are available, from $25 up. Memberships above $100 come with two season tickets. Donations are tax deductible contributions.In addition to two season tickets, contributions at or above $100 entitle the donor to two tickets to the Cathedral Concert and the FHSU Opera performance. Donators who give more than $1,000 will receive eight season and eight opera tickets as well as special recognition at the end of the concert season.

Membership in the guild ensures the orchestra's continued success by providing financial resources for scholarships to superior student musicians.

"It is a well-documented fact that individual and family memberships are what keep an arts organization afloat," he said. "It is because of our strong base of support from the Hays and Ellis County community that we are able to sustain our orchestra and keep presenting the concerts that entertain, enrich and educate ourselves and the coming generation of young people."
For more information on membership in the Hays Symphony Guild or information about any of the orchestra's performances, contact the guild at 785-628-4258.

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