Membership in our diverse and engaging organization lets you:
- Become a valued partner in helping our Symphony maintain its decades-long legacy of musical excellence, community outreach, and education.
- Experience deep satisfaction and immediate psychic payback when volunteering.
- Develop new skills and use your existing ones in ways you never imagined!
- Make new friends and join in with friends you already know in Spokane Symphony Associates.
- Increase your appreciation for classical music and all the music that our multi-talented symphony and youth symphonies play — and you’ll be glad you made the decision to help keep the music playing!
Chapters
The Spokane Symphony Associates has 8 active chapters. The purpose of the Chapters is to provide individual fundraisers within SSA, while creating friendships and supporting our great Spokane Symphony. In addition to their own fundraisers, each chapter supports SSA’s largest fundraisers: Christmas Tree Elegance and Upscale Sale.
Membership Chair: Karen Colkitt
Bernstein
Chapter Chairs:
Katherine Corrick, Chair
Connie Underwood, Co-Chair
The Bernstein chapter started in the 1960s and is named after composer Leonard Bernstein. This chapter’s fundraiser is called “Bloom in Tune.” In the spring, this chapter works with two local nurseries who donate a portion of the day’s sales to SSA. This fun event has been taking place at Judy’s Enchanted Garden at 2628 W. Northwest Blvd. Her delightful corner lot is full of beautiful selections of annuals and perennials. The other nursery is Northland Rosarium, located at 9405 S. Williams Lane, which has more than roses. You can fill your garden with clematis, vines, perennials, shrubs, arbors, statuary, pots, benches, and much more.
Bloom in Tune See More PhotosCantabile
Chapter Chair:
Maggie Sullivan
The Cantabile chapter started in 2010. The name “Cantabile” means singable or songlike. This group of dedicated chapter members produce a Springtime chorale concert. The Chorale has 80 members and is supported by this chapter. The chorale sings with the Symphony several times a year. One Sunday in May the chorale produces a concert of beautiful music sung by the entire 80 members to a grateful audience and the proceeds from that concert benefit the SSA. Cantabile’s Poetry to Music event invites listeners to experience how composers are inspired to create music from the written word.
Chorale Concert See More PhotosFerden
Chapter Chair:
Delia Thurber
The Ferden chapter started in 1988, and was named after music director Bruce Ferden (1985 – 1991). This active chapter started with doing receptions for the Symphony. Twelve years ago, Ferden member, Susan Kennedy, started a new fundraiser called Upscale Sale. The first sale generated around $5000 in proceeds. In 2018, this fundraiser raised $62,000. Upscale Sale has become a regional favorite with everyone. The entire SSA organization contributes items and time to this successful fundraiser.
Volunteer or Contribute to Upscale SaleForte Plus
Chapter Chair:
Betsy Johnson
Founded in 1986, this chapter was created with the idea to help members keep in touch and get to know one another. They began by having small parties all over the city called “Let’s Play for the Symphony.” Through the years, the event has become a single day of fun tabletop games, raffle drawings, and a silent auction at the Manito Golf & Country Club. In 2019, this event celebrated it’s 30th year. This game day is usually held in March.
Once a year this chapter also provides an appreciation lunch for the Spokane Symphony and Fox staff.
Let's Play for the SymphonyHampson
Chapter Chair:
Bob Gibbs
The Hampson chapter began in 2005, and is named for baritone Thomas Hampson. This chapter contributes volunteer hours and money to Christmas Tree Elegance and Upscale Sale.
Kozinski
Chapter Chair:
Carolyn Gooley
Named after former music director Stefan Kozinski, this chapter provides gift bags to the guest artists that perform with the Symphony. These gift baskets are appreciated by all of the Symphony’s guest performers.
Rockwood
Chapter Chair:
Maureen Boutz
The SSA chapter at Rockwood began in 2004. It is currently the largest chapter with more than 100 members. This growing group sponsors the Spokane Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert every year. For 10 years, this chapter participated in Christmas Tree Elegance with their own tree. Now individuals within the chapter contribute and give their time to other trees at Christmas Tree Elegance and help at the annual Upscale Sale.
PhotosThulean
Chapter Chair:
Lucretia Pladera
Created in the late 1960s, the Thulean Chapter was started by Katherine Gellhorn, and was named for music director Donald Thulean (1962-1984). Their current fundraiser is called the Uneventful Event. Members contribute to the Symphony without the stress of putting on a money-raising project. They contribute volunteer hours and money for Christmas Tree Elegance, Upscale Sale, and other fundraising events.
Unaffiliated Members
These members are not affiliated with any of the chapters. They give support to all of the fundraisers by providing volunteer hours and financial support. This is a great option for people who have limited time and still desire to be included in SSA activities.