Symphony Announces Change in Board Leadership
March 22, 2011
The Helena Symphony recently elected Vice President Kathy Bramer to President of the Helena Symphony Society and Chair of the Board of Directors. Ms. Bramer succeeds Peter Bogy who served as President for the past two seasons. Mr. Bogy, a retired attorney who resides in Whitehall, served as a member of the Board of Directors for the past six years. In addition to his terms of President, he served as chair of the finance committee and helped the launch the initial effort to quadruple the size of the major donations and donors six years ago. Mr. Bogy recently completed his term as President of the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras, an organization serving the seven major orchestras across the state.
“After the search for a new executive director was complete and the transition for Russ Martin into that position was underway, it made sense to allow others to move into leadership positions with the Helena Symphony,” says Peter Bogy. “I look forward to helping the Symphony in other ways as a subscriber, donor, and volunteer. It has been one of the most gratifying things I have done in my life. I am committed to the Symphony’s artistic direction and I look forward to attending performances from the perspective of as audience member.”
Long time Helena resident Kathy Bramer was unanimously elected the new President and Chair of the Board of Directors. Ms. Bramer currently serves as the Human Resources Director of the Department of Health & Human Services for the State of Montana. In addition to maintaining an active schedule as a singer in several organizations, including the Helena Symphony Chorale, Ms. Bramer is recognized throughout the region for her community involvement, fund raising activities, and partnership building. She has served on the Symphony’s Board of Directors throughout the past decade and was the chair of the search committee that led the international search that hired Maestro Scott eight years ago.
“Like nearly every symphony in the nation right now, the Helena Symphony has financial challenges,” says Ms. Bramer. “We have a nationally recognized artistic product that the Helena community does indeed support. The Helena Symphony brings over 1,000 people to an event at one time every month. The educational, economic, cultural, and social impact is simply remarkable. I am excited about the opportunities we have, and I take on the role of President because I am deeply committed to the artistic leadership and vision of Maestro Scott and the artistry of the musicians of the Helena Symphony Orchestra & Chorale. With our new Executive Director, Russ Martin, and our Music Director, our mission to bring incredible performances to the Helena region will continue.”
“This is just one of many exciting announcements that the Helena Symphony will be unveiling over the next days and weeks ahead,” explains Executive Director Russ Martin. “It all starts with a healthy, stabilized board, and Kathy Bramer is the right person at the right time.” In addition to the election of Ms. Bramer to the post of President, Kori R. Dee was unanimously elected Vice President. J. Anne Roberts was recently elected Treasurer and long-time Board member Eleanor Parker continues to serve as Secretary.
“The Helena Symphony exists for the people of Helena,” states Maestro Allan R. Scott. “It does not exist for musicians to play in an orchestra or singers to sing in a chorus. Musicians audition for positions in the Helena Symphony Orchestra from hundreds of miles away because they see and hear the music we are bringing to the people of Helena and the support the community has for it. Our goal continues to strive to make the Helena Symphony’s mission have an impact outside of the concert hall and make a difference in the homes, education, and daily lives of the people of Helena.”
The complete board governance of the Helena Symphony:
HELENA SYMPHONY
Symphony Officers
Kathy Bramer, President
Kori R. Dee, Vice President
J. Anne Roberts, Treasurer
Eleanor Parker, Esq., Secretary
Board of Directors
Kathy Bramer, Chair
Helen Ballinger, honorary
Kori R. Dee
Warren Dupuis
Timothy C. Fox, Esq.
Donald R. Fredrikson, honorary
Jacquie Gibson
Lois Hudson
Janet Kenny, chorale representative
Linda Knoblock, Ph.D.
Virginia Markell, honorary
Eleanor Parker, Esq.
Cookie Pfeffer
J. Anne Roberts
Allan R. Scott, ex officio
Darien G. Scott, honorary
James Burkholder, M.D., orchestra representative
Betsey War
Helena Symphony Foundation
Ross Cannon, Esq., President
Joan Poston, Esq., Chair
Thomas C. Morrison, Esq., Treasurer
Peter Bogy, Esq., Treasurer
Darien G. Scott, Secretary
Helen Ballinger
Donald R. Fredrikson
Mark Huber
