Quarter Notes

Many Boston BSAV members met in person on Tuesday September 20 for our Welcome Back meeting 2022-2023. It was wonderful to see everyone after these past couple years on Zoom!

Our BSAV Chair Bob Braun first welcomed us to the Hall. Next, he introduced the Executive Committee members present, attending BSO staff members, and the Boston Project Leads. Bob also modeled a men's version of the all-black "dress code" for our BSAV members volunteering for the patron-facing projects, such as tours and hosting. Erin joined him on the dais modeling a ladies' version of the all-black wear.

Erin also joined Bob in explaining the Volunteer Emeritus program for those who have served a minimum of 10 years and 250 hours. There are no volunteering requirements for the emeritus volunteers, who are invited to social events and receive complimentary ticket offers.

Bob announced the upcoming volunteer events in Boston, including the BSAV Named Concert and Reception, which will be on Saturday, January 21, 2023. The Recognition Event at the end of our season will be in May 2023.

Next, Chief Development Officer Maureen Flores reported that the BSO did very well in the last fiscal year. We met fundraising goals, and ticket sales at Tanglewood exceeded goal. Probably the great summer weather also contributed to the wonderful attendance! She announced that the opening night celebration, called Opening Night at Symphony, would be a celebratory event but not with a traditional large gala with a fundraising goal. There is a fundraising component, but the plan was to make the opening a community event and invite members of the arts community to celebrate this season and in future seasons. The BSO will have its major fundraising gala in the spring, May 16, 2023.

And the BSO has made strides on equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts with the hiring of the new head of Talent and Equity, Sandra St. Fleur Wright.

Erin announced that the Symphony Hall tours will be returning, as well as a version of the Instrument Playgrounds with strings and percussion only.

Karen Brown, Co-Chair Boston for Membership Administration, along with Erin announced the volunteers who are being awarded the Years of Service Pins for the years 2020 to 2022, covering the recipients since we last met in person in 2019, saluting those Boston BSAV members who have served 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years, along with Charlie Jack for his 45 years of service!

Finally, Suzanne Baum received the Hessie Sargent Spirit of Volunteering Award, after an introduction by Boston Vice Chair, Cathy Mazza. This well-deserved award was applauded by all.

After the meeting adjourned, the volunteers broke up into their project groups for training, which was followed by a reception.

The 2022-23 season has begun!