Dear WSL Members and Friends,
Welcome to the 73rd year of the Women’s Symphony League of Austin! It is an incredible honor to serve as your President for 2026–2027, standing alongside the women who have shaped this organization for generations and welcoming the new members who will help write its next chapter.
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, I find myself reflecting on the people, traditions, and acts of service that endure. That reflection brought me to this year’s theme: “A Legacy in Every Note.”
To me, legacy is not simply what we leave behind. It is what we are entrusted to carry forward and what we choose to add along the way.
My connection to the Austin Symphony began long before I joined WSL. Supporting the Symphony has been a family affair for generations. My parents, Suzon and Bill Kemp, became involved as newlyweds in the 1960s and shared a lifelong passion for the Symphony.
In 1966, my father helped found the Knights of the Symphony, with my maternal grandfather, Horace Spiller, becoming a charter member. My mother joined WSL in 1965 and served in many roles, including Jewel Ball Chair. She and my grandmother, Frances Spiller, also helped establish traditions and regalia surrounding King Brio. My father’s commitment to the Symphony spanned decades, including forty-six years as attorney for the Austin Symphony Orchestra. We lost him just a few months ago, but I am so grateful that we shared the excitement of my becoming President of WSL. We talked about it often, and his enthusiasm for this year meant more to me than I could have known at the time.
For my brother, sisters, and me, it was simply all we knew. The Symphony, WSL, and the Knights were woven into the rhythm of our family life. It was almost like attending church on Sunday. We grew up participating in many of their traditions and events, experiences that became more meaningful with time. When I joined WSL in 2007, I had the opportunity to carry forward a tradition that had been part of my family for generations. I certainly never imagined as a child that one day I would have the privilege of serving as President of WSL.
As a teacher at Pillow Elementary, a Title I school in Austin, I saw firsthand what happened when children experienced music, often for the first time. I watched them light up with confidence, curiosity, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Those experiences reinforced what I have always felt: music changes us. It celebrates with us, comforts us, awakens memories, and connects us when words sometimes cannot.
Our Honorary Chairs beautifully embody that spirit of legacy. Each has given countless hours to WSL, sharing her talents, leadership, generosity, and heart. Their dedication reminds us that legacy is rarely created in one grand moment; it is built over time through service, friendship, generosity, and love.
And what an exciting year we have ahead!
Jewel Ball Week begins September 13 with Soirée, The Jewel Heist, at Brodie Homestead. On September 18, the Fashion Luncheon, Une Invitation à l’Élégance, at Palmer Events Center will feature special guest Alicia Silverstone, followed on September 19 by our 71st Annual Jewel Ball, La Belle Époque, “The Beautiful Age,” in support of the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
And Jewel Ball is only the beginning.
Throughout the year, enrichment experiences will bring us together for Mahj Madness, Austin landmark tours, flower arranging, and The Power of Music for the Mind. On February 7, 2027, we will gather at the historic Driskill Hotel for our nationally recognized Red Haute Children’s Fashion Show, LOVE ALL.
It will also be an extraordinary season for the Austin Symphony Orchestra as we celebrate Maestro Peter Bay’s final year as Music Director and the sold-out special concert, An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma, wonderful reminders of why our support matters.
At the heart of it all remains our mission: supporting the Austin Symphony Orchestra through fundraising and volunteerism while bringing the transformative power of music to children throughout our community. Every event, volunteer hour, and dollar raised helps keep the music playing.
What we build together is also found in the friendships formed along the way: welcoming someone new, saying “yes” when asked to serve, sharing laughter around a committee table, and encouraging one another.
For 73 years, women before us have shown up for this organization and for one another.
And now, it is our turn. We honor our history best by continuing to write it. I cannot wait to see what we write together this year.
Here’s to a year filled with purpose, friendship, laughter, service, unforgettable memories and, of course, beautiful music.
With gratitude,
President, Women’s Symphony League of Austin
