About Symphonettes

 Our organization consists of three tiers of involvement: executive board, general board, and general membership. Although our members on the general board have less shift requirements than general members, each member is expected to volunteer at a certain number of community events and usher at concerts and symphonies. With about 100 members in total, Symphonettes is able to maintain a strong presence in the community. Throughout the year, we have meetings and seasonal fundraisers organized by general board committees  Our three largest fundraisers are our fall garage sale, a holiday fundraiser, and the fashion show in tandem with our silent auction in the spring. In each of these events, we attempt to incorporate aspects of our mission to keep us true to our tradition of supporting the arts.

Becoming a member

Each winter, our members are asked to nominate young ladies in 8th through 11th grade for the upcoming academic year. Proposed members are then invited to our fashion show in February so that they can be introduced to Symphonettes and see all that we have done throughout the year. Finally, we end our year with an induction ceremony in April. A first year member is welcome to take on a leadership position in our general board, which mainly consists of event planning committees, although it is not a requirement. Our committees are organized so that they consist of both older members and new members to encourage collaboration and mentorship. We strongly believe in the value of every younger member having an upperclassmen that she can trust and model herself after as these bonds are the foundation of the supportive community we work to create.

Advisors

Although Symphonettes is solely composed of high school girls, the president chooses parent advisors who graciously provide guidance for her throughout the year. Our current parent advisors are Vicky Hucks, Rebecca Szomstein, JJ Snow Hansen, Cristina Krislav, Stephanie Demos, Susan Woolsey, and Bonnie Seipp. Vicky's daughter, Gracie, is our president. Susan, Bonnie, and Rebecca helped their daughters, Mary Logan, Rachel and Jeanine respectively, in their presidencies and have stayed involved with Symphonettes.  Stephanie's daughter, Haley, is our  treasurer. JJ is our Big Little Sister Party hostess and Cristina is our Garage Sale hostess. These women have extensive experience in volunteer work and are able to help Gracie make informed, wise decisions.

Our Executive Board

Gracie Hucks
President

Gracie Hucks is a junior at Ransom Everglades School and has been a member of Symphonettes since her freshman year of high school. She previously held the positions of corresponding secretary and chair of our annual silent auction. In her role as president, Gracie oversees all member activities and events and is committed to maximizing the impact that Symphonettes has on the Miami-Dade community.

Nina Gumbs
First Vice President

Nina is a junior at Ransom Everglades School and has been a member since her sophomore year. She has held the position of chair our annual Fashion Show. She received the Symphonettes Helen Marie Witty Award in 2022. As first vice president, she coordinates community service opportunities for our members. 

Carolina Font
Second Vice President

Carolina is a junior at Ransom Everglades School and has been a member of Symphonettes since her freshman year of high school. As second vice president, she serves as the liaison between our members and the symphonies and events for which they usher. 

Sophie Rouillard
Corresponding Secretary

Sophie is a junior at Ransom Everglades School and has been a member since her sophomore year. She has held the position of Hospitality chair. As corresponding secretary, she handles all communication; including emails and newsletters.

Sophie Fidanque
Recording Secretary

Sophie is a senior at Riviera and has been a member since her freshman year. She has held the position of Historian. She received the Symphonettes Helen Marie Witty Award in 2021. As recording secretary, she manages attendance and determines good standing membership ​

Kate Demos-Brown
Treasurer

Kate is a senior at Ransom Everglades School and has been a member since her freshman year. She has held the position of chair our annual Silent Auction. As treasurer, she handles all of our funds and works with the Coral Gables Community Foundation and our Eventbrite page.