Symphony lauds patrons

Network of Executive Women of Northwest members and other guests enjoyed An Evening with Geena Davis presented by P&G on March 10 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.

The actor, advocate and founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in the Media and the Bentonville Film Festival, spoke to guests about her passion for how females are portrayed in media. She especially focuses on children's programs, because she believes "If she can see it, she can be it."

She said after her work co-starring in Thelma and Louise in 1991 -- playing one of two "very well-drawn women" -- her acting choices were made "with the women in the audience in mind."

The national networking group's mission is to "advance women, grow business and transform our industry's workplace through the power of community." The local chapter has grown to more than 800 members who represent more than 150 companies. The groups offer networking mixers, learning events, mentoring circles and college outreach.

Those joining Geena at the Hammons Center included Jody Pinson, Karen Stuckey, Bridgette Woodell, Alicia Conner, Linda Lauschke, Jaime Frye, Julie Janckila, Stacey Bishop, Katie Holley, Katie Berner, Cassie Moore, Lisa Kelsey, Betsy Reithemeyer, Kim Tisdale, Tim Marrin, Cyndi Bilyeu, Trina Summers, Honey Brauer, Susan Hagensicker and Margie Dorantes.

Symphony of Northwest Arkansas supporters gathered for the group's annual Spring Gala on March 15 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and helped the group honor Marilyn and Bob Bogle and Pat Walker for "their extraordinary contributions to SoNA and the arts in Northwest Arkansas."

Fernando Valencia, SoNA percussionist, gave a surprise performance of Ciclos (Cycles), which he composed for the occasion.

The nearly $20,000 raised from the evening bolsters the nonprofit organization and helps support artist and education initiatives such as ImagiMusic.

ImagiMusic is reaching some 3,000 third-, fourth- and fifth-grade Northwest Arkansas students in 10 partner schools. Schools commit to three-year partnerships, and workshops help students learn about orchestral basics, the families of the orchestra (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion., etc.) and get a chance to act as "maestro" for the ensembles visiting their schools. Workshops align with Arkansas state curriculum and tie in literacy and other subjects.

The 2015-16 season finale, Masterworks III: Glory and Grandeur on April 30 at the Walmart AMP in Rogers will include Gloria by Francis Poulenc, featuring Tami Petty, soprano, the SoNA Singers and the John Brown University Cathedral Choir, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 4."

The July 4th Spectacular featuring SoNA will be Independence Day at the Walmart AMP.

Among those springing to support the symphony were Ellen and Malcolm Hayward, Billie Starr, Susan and Orville Hall, Shirley and Pete Esch, Marti and Kelly Sudduth, Chad Alligood and Paul Burke, Janet and Jimm Hendren, Cynthia and Dewitt Smith, Terrye and Patric Brosh, Joyce Stafford and Jack Cole, Deeg and Bill Mitchell, Carol Caldwell and Ed Clifford, Reed and Mary Ann Greenwood, Ann and Morris Henry, Sandy Edwards, Stacy and Rod Bigelow, Donna and Lewis Epley, Laura and Bruce Wilkins, Melanie and Thad Beck, Mary and George Benjamin, Julianne Brown, Matthew Herren, executive director, and Paul Haas, music director.

For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.

Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].

NAN Profiles on 03/27/2016