June 1, 2023
Welcome to the 2023-2024 League year!
On June 18, 1953, the Women’s Symphony League was organized to support the Austin Symphony and promote music and the arts in Austin. The new fiscal year that begins today marks WSL’s 70th year of fulfilling our mission:
To provide service and financial support for the Austin Symphony Orchestra and its programs, offering educational opportunities for children and the community to further develop an appreciation of music.
Since its founding, WSL has grown into a dedicated group of 608 members, and I am thrilled to join alongside you as we serve, support, and celebrate – it’s our Platinum Jubilee!
At our recent Board Retreat, we noted four goals for the year ahead:
- to celebrate our past, present and future
- to engage our membership through connection within the League and collaboration with ASO
- to raise funds for ASO
- to plant shade trees
At 70 years, WSL looks great, has much to be proud of, and has a wonderful story to tell. We’ll spend some time looking at our history and share stories and memories from the women who have helped build our organization.
Our members are the heart of our organization, and we will find ways to continue membership engagement and enrichment through fun programming and a return of Symphony Sips. With opportunities to connect both through volunteer roles and social events large and small, we can further build and strengthen relationships with each other.
It’s also important to support the Symphony, through our fundraising efforts as well as our attendance at ASO events. With diverse and rich programming, the Symphony really does offer something for everyone.
There’s an old adage about planting trees under whose shade you don’t expect to sit. The League has solid operating policies and procedures, is fiscally sound, and continues to make improvements that will ensure a stable future. Throughout the year ahead, the hope is to plant new shade trees – whether through policies, programs, or technology, such that members in the years ahead might benefit.
The work of WSL is a true team effort, so let’s serve, support, and celebrate together – for the joy of music!
Sincerely,
Araminta Sellers
2023-2024 President
