Symphony Volunteer Council Overview

Working to Provide Music Education for Youth

We love the symphony!

Join us as we enter the romantic journey conjured by famed composers whose work has stood the test of time. Beautiful music offers more than entertainment - the positive impact of classical music on young minds is profound. The Symphony Volunteer Council (SVC) supports and promotes music education for children and youth. Our programs serve the goals of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s youth programs through our annual concerto competition, luncheon and social/fundraising events.

Mission:

The Symphony Volunteer Council (SVC) serves to increase appreciation of classical music in the lives of our children and youth throughout our community and supports, strengthens, and enhances the influence of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) through participation in educational activities and fundraising events.

Perks of joining the SVC

  • Education opportunities and programs for children and youth
  • Networking opportunities
  • Join a creative community
  • Support the arts
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Cultivate new friendships
  • Community outreach
  • Professional development
  • Uplift and enhance Alabama and the city of Birmingham with its cultural impact on the quality  of life for residents, potential residents, visitors, and our youth.

Membership

Concerts, events, gatherings, luncheons and dinners – the Symphony Volunteer Council is great music paired with entertaining social events – all for the benefit of the symphony. When you join the Symphony Volunteer Council (SVC), you join a legacy of supporters of the arts, who come together for the greater good while engaging in cultural enrichment. We invite you to become a member of the SVC to join in the support of one of Alabama’s greatest treasures. You also help foster the love of music in our children and youth with our educational programs and fundraising events.

There are three levels of membership:

  • $45 per year – Individual Contributing Member.
  • $75 per year – Joint Family Contributing Member.
  • $25 per year – Student Membership.

*Credit Card fees apply

Fundraising Events

Lois Pickard Scholarship Award Luncheon

Six winners emerge from the Lois Pickard Concerto Competition. They entertain the guests who attend the Lois Pickard Scholarship Award Luncheon with their talent – often good enough to rival the adults! This annual event is a favorite of music lovers, young musicians and their families. These gifted young musicians range from age twelve through high school.
This year’s Lois Pickard Luncheon will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Hoover Country Club to celebrate this season's competition winners and continue to raise support for music education and scholarships. Please click on the links below to purchase tickets to the luncheon. Please email alabamasymphonyvolunteers@gmail.com if you have questions about reserving your seats or if you would like to make your donation via check.

Proceeds from this event go toward scholarships for future competitions.

Learn more about the Lois Pickard Concerto Competition HERE.

Donate to our Education Programs

So many children and youth possess the ability to become great musicians. Help give them a chance to receive the instruction and support they need to reach their full potential, a gift that will enrich many lives. Every donation you give, goes directly to support the education programs provided by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony Volunteer Council.

 

Mail contributions to:

SVC
PO Box 360055
Birmingham, AL 35236

*Please designate your donation for these programs, or for general support. Thank you for helping our children and youth receive the gift of music!

  • Scholarships
  • Education
  • Lois Pickard Luncheon