Founded in 1951, the Women’s Association of the Columbus Symphony is the orchestra’s oldest and largest auxiliary. Since its inception the Women’s Association has been committed to: fundraising, youth education, hospitality services and volunteer support.

To enrich the musical education of children and youth, WACSO members plan hands-on activities preceding family concerts and arrange for students to attend concert performances.  Each Spring, the Young Musicians’ Competition is conducted. The Women’s Association provides the Senior Division winner a $500 cash award.

Fundraising is a critical activity of the Women’s Association.  During the 2008-2009 season, $51,075 was contributed to the Columbus Symphony’s Annual Fund.

Usual hospitality services include hosting dinners for visiting artists and orchestra members, welcoming concertgoers to the Patron Lounge, providing refreshments for Side-by-Side rehearsals, and organizing and preparing the annual Musicians’ Appreciation Luncheon. Women’s Association volunteers also assist with clerical needs of the Symphony Administrative Office.

The revised organizational structure of the Women’s Association reflects today’s current society.  Full-time career women as well as stay-at-home mothers may join the Women’s Association directly (with no geographical unit affiliation required as in past years).  Four quarterly General Membership meetings take place on Saturdays. Volunteer activities can be scheduled during non-business hours.  

New members are welcomed year round. Dues are only $25 per year. Click here to download a membership form or contact Assistant Treasurer Nancy Lee at (614) 866-8760.

Upcoming 2010 Fundraisers

Pansy Sale
Now  through March 22
It's time to "think Spring" and support the Symphony by ordering lovely pansy baskets or bowls for just $10 each. Orders accepted through March 22 and pick-up is April 1.
Click here to download an order form

Monday, April 26
Worthington Mall
Annual Caprice-Encore Luncheon and
Style Show by Talbot's
A raffle and silent auction will also accompany the day's activities. Cost to attend is $30. For more information, contact Darlene Jones at 614-486-3154. More information available at the March 13th general membership meeting.

Save the Date - Saturday evening, June 19
"Passport to France"
Our major fundraiser this season, the fifth in a series of "Passport" events, will be held at the home of Charles and Debbie Penzone on June 19. Catering will be provided by The Refectory. More details will be coming later in the Spring. If you are interested in donating an item for the silent auction to further support the Columbus Symphony, please contact the Passport event chairs, Donna Gerhold at (614) 471-4550 or gerhold@insight.rr.com
and Anne Highland at (614) 501-6694 or ahighlan@insight.rr.com

Click here for a complete listing of upcoming fundraisers and events sponsored by the Women's Association.

For further information about the Women's Association, you may contact:

President Jan Wade
(614) 488-9401 
Email:  granjan19@columbus.rr.com 

or

Treasurer Jane McKinley
(614) 239-1118 
Email: jhmckinley@ameritech.net

Honoring 50-Year Members
Kay Graf, joined 1950-51
Beth O'Brien, joined 1950-51
Frances Thurman, joined 1951-52
Ingrid Cox, joined 1952-53
June Palmer, joined 1955-56
Josie Chase, joined 1956-57
Priscilla D'Angelo, joined 1957-58
Lois Allen, joined 1958-59

Honoring 60-Year Member
Muriel Gundersheimer, joined 1948-49