Council
Since 1962, the Waco Symphony Council has been supporting and assisting the Waco Symphony Orchestra in many ways through service and fundraising. The Waco Symphony Council provides financial resources to fund scholarships to Baylor music students who play in the Waco Symphony Orchestra, sponsors Waco Symphony Orchestra concerts each year, and endows the Waco Symphony Conductor’s Chair, which is funded through the Waco Symphony Foundation.
One of the Waco Symphony Council’s main areas of emphasis involves Youth and Education Programs. Through sponsorships of the Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra and organizing annual Children’s Concert, reaching more than 6,000 fourth and fifth graders, opportunities are provided to expose young people to symphonic music. In addition, the Waco Symphony Council sponsors the Symphony Council Belles program for sophomore and junior girls, and the Symphony Council Brass program for junior boys. The Waco Symphony Council Belles and Brass enjoy leadership and service training, as well as seminars in music appreciation and concert and dining etiquette.
The Waco Symphony Council also honors Waco Symphony subscribers, who donate at the Patron Level and above, by organizing a Patron dinner each year. All members of the Waco Symphony Council are invited to attend preview parties/brunches which include a brief business meeting and featured talks by Maestro Larry Loh that enlighten us with details about the repertoire and composers of upcoming concerts.
The Waco Symphony Council welcomes both men and women as members, with many opportunities for friendship and service in the community. Becoming a Waco Symphony Council member is an excellent way to help keep the Waco Symphony strong.
Message from the Council
The music doesn’t begin when Maestro Loh lifts his baton. It begins with supporters like you through the Waco Symphony Council (WSC). We invite you to become part of the music that moves Waco by joining a community where friendship, volunteerism, and a passion for the arts come together in perfect harmony.
The 2026-27 performing season features a dynamic lineup of celebrated guest artists and audience favorites, including Orion Weiss, Sharon Isbin, William Hagen, and performances of The Nutcracker with Ballet Frontier of Texas. Highlights include an exciting film in concert presentation (t.b.a.), “From Star Wars to Harry Potter: Celebrating The Music of John Williams,” Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and the season-ending Belles and Brass Presentation and Ball.
By joining the Waco Symphony Council, you help sustain this caliber of artistry while enjoying exclusive social events, educational gatherings, and meaningful volunteer opportunities.
This season promises an exciting mix of new experiences and returning favorites for WSC members and supporters alike. The Council is thrilled to bring back the beloved Zoo Tunes event, while also launching a new educational initiative, Picture the Music, designed to engage students in grades 6 through 8 through art and music. And, of course, our highly anticipated fundraising dinner returns this year with an elegant French theme sure to provide a memorable evening of food, fellowship, and support for the Symphony.
Other WSC membership perks include invitations to events such as:- Preview Parties – Sunday brunches in lovely homes where Maestro Loh shares insights about the music you’ll hear at upcoming concerts
- The annual year-end Council Celebration Luncheon
- Treble Clef members at the $350 level contribute $50 towards our Healing Harmony outreach
- Meaningful volunteer opportunities to support key symphony initiatives
We’re also excited to welcome you and a guest to the WSC’s annual Welcome Party on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Cooper Foundation House. Details will follow soon!
Waco Symphony Council Officers
President: Jennifer Richie
President-Elect:
Fundraising Vice-President: Bryon Barnhill
Youth Programs Vice-President: Lisa Holmes
Social Vice-President: Sarah Pearsall
Belles & Brass Vice-President: Stephanie Cooney
Membership Vice-President: Paula McReynolds
Recording Secretary: Christy Lewis
Corresponding Secretary: Elizabeth Barnhill
Treasurer: Lynda Dyer
Immediate Past President: Endyia Sterns
2026-2027 Waco Symphony Council Membership
By joining the Waco Symphony Council, you help sustain the caliber of artistry while enjoying exclusive social events, educational gatherings, and meaningful volunteer opportunities.