CONWAY — When Mary H. Mosley was elected president of the Conway Symphony Orchestra Guild Board of Directors several years ago, she agreed to serve “a maximum of two years.”
“That was seven years ago,” Mosley said, laughing, as she presided over the guild’s annual meeting June 16 at the Hole in the Wall Cafe.
“I have loved every minute of it. I want to thank you for allowing me to help ‘keep the music playing,’ which is the guild’s motto,” she said.
“When I took office, I had two goals — membership development and leadership
development,” said Mosley, who is a retired educator from the University of Central
Arkansas, as well as the Little Rock and Vilonia school districts. “We have increased our membership over the years and now have 81 members. Plus, we have a new slate of officers to continue our mission of supporting the Conway Symphony Orchestra’s musical and educational activities and programs.”
Mosley mentioned the guild’s upcoming fundraiser, Jazz It Up, scheduled for Sept. 14 at the Centennial Valley Event Center. She also said the guild sponsors several events for children, including the annual Nutcracker Sweets, which is held in conjunction with the CSO’s Christmas concert in December.
Mosley will continue to serve on the guild’s board as immediate past president. New board officers include Margaret Palmer, president; Beverley Freiley, vice president; Pam Strassle, secretary; and Sarah Morse, treasurer.
Following the election of officers, Freiley and Palmer presented Mosley with a special recognition — the establishment of the Dr. Mary H. Mosley Orchestra Student Assistance Fund.
The guild board set up the fund with a $500 donation, and a member of the CSO Board of Directors matched it with an additional $500. The $1,000 fund is for student members of the Conway Symphony Orchestra who might need assistance with instrument repair, travels to conferences or performances, or other needs related to performing with the orchestra. Distribution of funds will be under the direction of Israel Getzov, CSO conductor and musical director.
The Conway Symphony Orchestra will open the 2017-18 season with its annual community concert at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 in Simon Park in downtown Conway. For more information, call (501) 269-1066 or visit conwaysymphony.org.
Palmer said the CSO Guild is always looking for new members. Membership fees are $30. For more information, call Palmer at (501) 626-5931.