ORCHESTRA APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Dallas Symphony Orchestra League

HISTORY

Each year the League has recognized and thanked the DSO musicians by holding an Orchestra Appreciation Luncheon.

Through the years it has evolved from a formal, sit-down plated lunch in the Opus Dining room at the Meyerson to a less formal, more intimate affaire held in one of the Meyerson’s larger meeting rooms.

Recently, the luncheon has been a buffet catered by one of our local restaurants.

Goal: To host a wonderful event for little as possible

Chairman, Dale Cullum, approached the same group of ladies who volunteer their time and culinary talents to supply the

scrumptious offerings at our annual Up Close and Classical event asking if they would also do all the cooking for the orchestra appreciation luncheon.

Thankfully the ladies agreed!

MENU AND COOKING ASSIGNMENTSThis ambitious group, spearheaded by Nancy Labadie,

quickly came up with a menu consisting of lasagna, salad, rolls and dessert, then distributed the cooking among themselves.

Lasagna Salad Rolls Cake Decorations

Carol Jackie Susan F. Terri H. Cindy

Sharon B Pat Petie Joan L. Mary

Dianne E. Susan C. Wanda H. Vicki B. Katherine

Nancy L. Nancy M. Tonya E.Sharon

A. Karen

Dot Gloria Elissa Janice Brenda

DAY OF EVENT

Each volunteer arrived with her culinary and/or décor creation and the room was immediately transformed.

In between their morning and afternoon rehearsals, a full orchestra with many additional players for the Mahler Symphony which was being performed that week, enjoyed a home-cooked meal while visiting with staff and League members at the beautifully decorated tables.

BENEFITS

Because it is scheduled for a day on which the orchestra has two rehearsals almost back-to-back, musicians appreciate knowing they will have a hot lunch served to them right here at the Meyerson.

This luncheon also provides an opportunity for volunteers and orchestra members to spend time together getting to know each other better.

TIMELINEFebruary, 2011 Chairman approached Up Close chefs and

began planning

March, 2011 Invitations sent to all orchestra members, some staff and all League members

Sign up sheet placed in rehearsal area for orchestra

April, 2011 Committee met to finalize decorations, preview luncheon venue, meet with Culinaire staff who would supply ice, coffee, for luncheon

April 11, 2011 9 a.m. Committee and chefs arrive to decorate, set up

11:30 a.m. Orchestra members arrive

2:30 p. m. Clean up complete

BUDGET

   Orchestra Appreciation

Luncheon    Mar '10 - May 11   Budget  

$ Over/Und

er Budget  

Expense  257.53 1,300.00 -1,042.47

Underwriting * -680.00 -100.00 -580.00

Total Costs   -422.47 1,200.00 -1,622.47

*Volunteers who could not attend or participate directly were offered the option of underwriting the cost of an orchestra

member or members lunches). Many more volunteers participated by electing to do this.

By all accounts, this luncheon was a win-win!

the orchestra appreciated the ladies’ home cooking, &

most of the ladies chose to underwrite their contribution for the dinner costs keeping costs for the event at an all-time low.

WIN – WIN !!!