Published: August 12, 2009 02:34 pm      

Symphony auxiliary is in need of volunteers

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra’s auxiliary is in the midst of a membership drive to find energetic volunteers to support a cultural treasure.

Charlotte Aubrey of Richland Township, auxiliary president and charter member, is eager to increase membership during the organization’s 50th anniversary.

“I have been here since its inception, and we would welcome both women and men to join the auxiliary,” Aubrey said.

She said the auxiliary has been a source of orchestra support for five decades dating back to the organization’s first symphony ball.

“It is impossible to overestimate the value of the more than 50-member auxiliary to all of the orchestra’s programs and to the cultural life of the area, past and present,” Aubrey said.

While fulfilling its primary objective of promoting and supporting the symphony orchestra, the auxiliary has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in a half century.

“Over the past 10 years alone, approximately $175,000 has been raised toward the JSO’s annual budgets,” Aubrey said.

“Each and every member of the auxiliary is vital to the success and ongoing support of the symphony orchestra.”

She said the auxiliary volunteers’ dedication to sustaining an ever-improving orchestra has resulted in a better community, an educational and cultural asset for the region’s youth and entertainment for everyone.

“To this end, we are looking for new volunteers who will bring new and innovative ideas to raise funds,” Aubrey said.

“Active members may choose the level of participation they desire. A larger pool of people from which to draw in each area results in less work for each individual.”

Aside from fundraising, auxiliary members also serve as concert ushers and assist in ticket collections.

Patricia Hofscher, symphony executive director, said there is no group that is more supportive of the symphony than the auxiliary.

“They are staunch supporters who just by word of mouth serve as our greatest advocates,” Hofscher said. “They also are the first to step forward to help the staff and orchestra members in any capacity they can.

“Whether it’s folding flyers to prepare for mass mailings or ushering patrons to their seats, an auxiliary member unselfishly gives time and talent to our efforts to maintain the orchestra,” Hofscher said.

The auxiliary offers two levels of membership: Active members and sustaining members.

Active members pay dues of $25 annually and are required to participate in at least one fundraiser.

Sustaining members pay dues of $50 and are not required, but are welcome, to participate in fundraisers.

“The JSO is fortunate to have a wide network of support from auxiliary members, including the JSO’s Somerset Auxiliary, which was organized in 1964,” Aubrey said.

Fundraisers have included house and garden tours, summer socials, holiday flower sales and Bach lunches, in which volunteers take orders for boxed lunches, package the lunches and make deliveries.

Anyone interested in becoming an auxiliary member may call the symphony office at 535-6738 or Aubrey at 266-6240.