60th Anniversary for the Guild of the Jacksonville Symphony

As we reach 60 years of volunteer support for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, it is important to remember those ladies who founded our organization setting up chairs in the Armory. These were women of vision, with a passion for music, and a willingness to do whatever was needed to help the orchestra grow and succeed. Our sincere gratitude is but one way we celebrate their efforts for setting in motion a vibrant support system that endures today.

Through the years, we have had thousands of members — and as many of those initial members linger in our memories, we must be mindful that we exist today on the foundation they began in 1950. The foundation they provided we have built upon and grown, adding new activities to our schedules. Some activities continue today, and some have not. But, nothing we’ve done throughout this time has been irrelevant. No volunteer has ever wasted her energy in support of the JSO. Every act and every moment of precious time has been spent collectively building the Guild into the strong force it is today. We exist to support the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and we have remained true to the vision set forth some 60 years ago. Our mission of music education enriches the lives of all of our citizens in ways that cannot be calculated.

The Guild continues to grow, as its members’ enthusiasm never wanes. Our thousands of volunteers have built an amazing organization, and we are grateful to each and every one of them. I am confident we will continue our efforts to do all in our power to see that the JSO exists for many more years. I am so proud to be involved in such a vibrant and necessary organization and am honored to serve as your President at such a momentous time in our history.

I salute all the women who have served and continue to serve the symphony and enrich the lives of so many in our community.

Anita Geiger, President
Jacksonville Symphony Guild 2008 – 2010