We’ve come a long way, Baby! Fifty-seven years ago the Concert Committee of the Jacksonville Symphony Association sold tickets to the first concert of the newly formed Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and on concert day cleaned the barn-like Armory, set up chairs and returned in the evening to hand out program guides. The Concert Committee became the Women’s Committee, later adding the first Pops Concert. The performing season blossomed and programs were moved to the George Washington Hotel.

When Prudential’s South Central home office arrived in town, the concerts relocated to the Prudential Auditorium for larger audience capacity. As the Symphony’s activities expanded, the Women’s Committee was renamed the Women’s Guild, broadening its scope and increasing its membership. The Women’s Guild’s innovative Symphony Ball was an instant success.

Well known as The Guild by 1971, members sought new ways to enhance community participation and found success with Florida’s first Designers Showhouse, which was featured in Architectural Digest in 1972. This was the beginning of more than 32 exciting and profitable Showhouses, which now draw approximately 12,000 to 15,000 visitors each year. Net proceeds in excess of $3.5 million and an additional $2 million of in-kind donations have been generated by the Showhouse project to date.

On April 26, 1997, the Symphony Orchestra moved to the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts. At the time, the exquisite Jacoby Hall was the only performance venue in Florida designed specifically for orchestra.

As the times change, so too does The Guild. No longer exclusively for women, we now include many men among our most active members. In the course of more than half a century, we have added such activities as the Instrument Zoo, appreciation luncheons for the JSA staff and musicians, R.A.K.E.S (random acts of kindness – surprise luncheons for the musicians), Opening Night at The Pops events, The Holiday Boutique, scholarships and grants, Picnic at The Pops events… the list goes on and on.

The Guild has become the largest single volunteer financial contributor to the Symphony. With only one part-time employee, we depend on our more than 3,000 volunteers who support us during the year.

We would welcome your participation! For information, please call The Guild office at 904-358-1479.