The Symphonettes had a record year as 12 music-related organizations received donations from the group totaling more that $50,000.
The Symphonettes is an organization of 65 high school girls dedicated to enriching the development and appreciation of the arts in the community. In addition, to raising money through a garage sale, raffle, silent auction and a fashion show starring the group’s senior members, each member volunteers to usher at performances and at community festivals and cultural events.
The mission of the organization is to teach the members the importance of the arts while contributing volunteer hours and resources to the community.
The biggest winner, receiving $21,000, will be the current and future music students of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Fourteen different schools will receive money for new instruments, instrument repairs and risers.
Bryan Petorak, district supervisor of the performing arts, identified various needs across the county, from elementary schools to high schools. After researching the musical needs in the public schools, Symphonette president Julie Goldstein, along with charitable giving chair Karina Gonzalez, received unanimous approval from the Symphonette membership to support the music programs in the public schools.
Petorak was thrilled that almost all of the musical needs he presented were filled by the Symphonettes. With the Symphonettes’ donations more students will be able to learn, perform and enjoy music.
According to Citrus Grove Middle School principal Ms. Cory Rodriguez, studies have shown that students involved in music perform at a higher level than those who do not.
“This year’s Symphonettes are thrilled to contribute a record amount to the success of music and the arts,” Goldstein said. “It is exciting to extend our support for Miami-Dade organizations to include the public schools.”
Other organizations that received funding are: Miami Children’s Chorus, St. Martha’s Yamaha Concert Series, Florida Youth Orchestra, South Florida Youth Symphony, Miami Children’s Theater, Greater Miami Youth Symphony, Actors’ Playhouse, Singing Miamians, Miami String Project, Coral Gables Chamber Symphony and Opera, and Voices United.
Symphonettes has a rich history of almost 50 years of dedication and service. Since its founding in 1966, young women from across Miami-Dade County have spent many hours in volunteer work to promote the arts and music in our community
In addition to ushering and helping at various cultural events, the members from 13 different area high schools raise money to donate to various music and performancerelated organizations with a focus on aspiring young artists.
Through their fundraising efforts, the Symphonettes plan to continue their support of the Miami-Dade Public Schools music programs as well as other youth music programs in the community. Membership this term is expected to increase to more than 80 girls.
