History
A joint venture of the communities of Seguin and New Braunfels, the Mid-Texas Symphony held its first organizational meeting in June of 1978. Its premiere concert in Seguin was presented in November of that same year, followed in April by the first New Braunfels concert. The Mid-Texas Symphony Chorus was organized and first performed with the Symphony in November of 1979.
Since those initial concerts the Mid-Texas Symphony has continued to grow, constantly expanding its services to the community, particularly in the area of education. In 1983 the Symphony began its sponsorship of the Young Artist Competition, offering cash prizes and the chance to perform with the Symphony to both graduate and undergraduate piano and voice students. For younger children, the Symphony offers a program of instruction on string instruments; and in 1988 the Mid-Texas Symphony presented its first free Children's Concerts, which annually bring classical music to over 4,000 Seguin and New Braunfels elementary school students.
Through the years, the Orchestra has boasted a number of fine music directors to include Akira Endo. Under the leadership of its current music director and conductor, David Mairs, the future of the Mid-Texas Symphony appears bright as it moves into its fourth decade of bringing classical music to Seguin and New Braunfels area residents.
Society
The Mid-Texas Symphony Society is composed of a 39-member Board of Directors and a Guild, with two chapters--one in Seguin and one in New Braunfels.
Staff
Cheryl Fisher, Executive Director
Nina Mavrinac, Orchestra Personnel Manager
Eithne Goetz, Music Librarian
Tau Beta Sigma, Stage Manager
Board of Directors
Interested in serving on the MTS board?Board Information | Board Application
Marianne Gould, President of Society
Ellen Salyers , Vice-Preisdent of Society
Chris Bischoff, Vice-President of Finance
Jack Linden, Vice-President of Education
Cathy Talcott, Vice-President of Marketing (New Braunfels)
Jean Dorbandt, Vice-President of Music
John Upper, Vice-President of MTS Friends
Karen Castillo, Recording Secretary
Betsy Clardy
Sally Carroll-Ricks
Evelyn Dittmar
Sam Ehrlich
Sara Hartin
Kathy Hunt
Patt Linden
John Masterson
Marcia McGlothlin
Jon Moline
Kathy Nossaman
Marj Peters
Margaret Poling
Ken Ratcliff
Janie Sartain
Dana Scheel
Caroline Weston
Cindy Williams
Tammi Woodard
LIFETIME ADVISORY MEMBERS
Anita Windecker, Founder
Charles Oestreich
Guild
The Mid-Texas Symphony Guild is composed of 2 chapters, one in Seguin and one in New Braunfels. Guild activities include:
- Debutante program for high school senior girls and their families
- Symphony Ball and Debutante presentation held in each city
- Fund-raising through poinsettia sales, silent and live auctions
- Docent program for children's concerts
- The Color of Music
- Cotillion
Trina Eastwood, Seguin Chapter President
Sherry Harrison, New Braunfels Chapter President
