About the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur
A 501(3)c nonprofit organization
Our mission is to support the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, provide educational opportunities for our youth and adults, and grant student scholarships for musical opportunities. Above all, our mission is to inspire a love for the symphony in Decatur and beyond.
SOGD – Our Story
The first recorded mention of a Millikin Symphony appeared in the 1906 Millikin Yearbook showing six members. By 1907 there were 24 members – it was a fast growing group!
In 1914, a Decatur Symphony was formed and had 58 musicians from Decatur playing in it. This group was short lived and disbanded in 1917. In 1926, a reorganization took place with primarily the out-of-work “pit” musicians from the silent movies forming an orchestra. Because of a change in conductors that wasn’t popular with the players, this group also disbanded.
Finally, in 1947, the Millikin-Decatur Symphony came into being with a mixture of students and faculty from Millikin playing alongside musicians from Decatur and the surrounding area. Several conductors came and went during the following years.
Dr. Ronald Gregory came in 1973, and under his encouragement and in the interest in several townspeople, the Symphony Guild was formed in 1974.
Membership in the first Guild was 400. It hovered around this figure for many years. Current membership is around 200.
“When I go to the symphony, I sense the drama as the conductor does this dance of motion to pull out the soothing strings of the violins, the booming brass section or the thumping percussion. For these moments, I am taken out of my everyday life into something bigger, sweeping, and beautiful.“
–Heidi J. Sack, VP of Audience Development
Fundraisers Make It Happen
The Guild has a rich history of fundraising events, including balls, luncheons, and auctions. In 1976, we received the vote from the American Symphony League for the Best Fundraising Event in the country, which was quite an honor for just a young organization!
To open the new Decatur Civic Center, the Guild held “Winter Prelude,” an elegant gala as the first event in this new facility. The gala was also recognized by the American Symphony League.
There have been Cooking Schools, Pops on the Lake Concerts, selling advertising space in the yearly Concert Program, Symphony of Trees that had a 20-year run, the Symphony Holiday Ball, a Spring Bulb Sale, Spring Style Shows, and – of course – our yearly Guild Memberships.
From Symphony Balls in the 70s to the Symphony Holiday Ball of today, fundraisers keep the Guild alive.
Board of Directors
Dr. Jan Mandernach
President
Officers of the Board
Heidi Sack, Vice President of Audience Development
Dr. Christina Shields, Vice President of Funds Development
Jo Carter, Vice President of Guild Development
Dr. Priscilla Palmer, Vice President of Music Education
Ruth Cortright, Secretary
Linda Arends – Assistant Secretary
Peggy Ruff, Past President
Shirley Swarthout, Treasurer
Brian Justison, Director, School of Music
Nick Phipps, Auditor
Dr. William McClain, MDSO Conductor
Other Board Members
John Baird
Ashley Batchelder
Susan Danco
John Daum
Carmen Dunn
Marla Ewers
Bethany Force
Louis Kappler
Maureen McDorman
Doris (DJ) McKay
Elizabeth Merrill
Kamaria Perry
Wayne Rutherford
Mark Sorensen
Rick Strine