By Kaitlin Einkauf


The audience falls still as a single note penetrates the silence. The sound is familiar and expected, but its spell still captivates. The reverent hush lasts mere seconds before the concert pitch is joined by the discordant voices of the orchestra's remaining instruments. The notes don't come together; there are no beautiful harmonies. And yet, everyone seated understands this is simply precursory. In moments, the dissonance will lend itself to magnificence.

But before the first patron is even seated, the venue will mirror the orchestra's tuning: The night will be abuzz with commotion. Nothing will mesh: Friends greet each other, the various discussions filling the room with unintelligible noise. Their bright smiles turn into brilliant laughter that carries across the lobby—solos among the "orchestral" chatter. The clink of silverware will float down from the dining above; shoes will click and clack across the floor. Despite the cacophony, all will soon settle as individuals and small groups transform into a cohesive audience—all joined by their mutual love of music, all eager for the experience awaiting them.

The Plano Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has had the distinct joy and privilege of providing these experiences many times over. September 22, 2012 marks the opening night concert for the Symphony's 2012-2013 season—one that has been 30 years in the making. Over the course of those three decades, much has changed, but the excellence both onstage and off has never faltered.

The desire to start an orchestra in Plano came from a very simple vision: to share in the enjoyment of great music. Local musicians and music lovers gathered frequently to discuss what would be necessary to make an orchestra a successful endeavor. Betty Muns was one such collaborator and described the original idea as coming up during casual conversation among friends. She laughs when she thinks back to the very first days. It was "so unorganized, it was pitiful, but we knew what we wanted to do. We had the dream. But it came together very quickly….When you get people together with the same goals, you can get things done pretty fast."

Within months, auditions for musicians and a conductor were arranged and met with an overwhelming response. The last conductor candidate to apply was a young Hector Guzman. "I received a call from my teacher at SMU about a new orchestra that was being formed called The Plano Chamber Orchestra," Hector explains. "I had just come back from Mexico. There was a train stopped on the tracks the night of the audition and I was the last to audition...I came in one minute before my allotted time!"

His near-tardiness must not have been much of a hindrance on his performance. Of all the applicants, Deborah Fabian says Hector was "by far the most charismatic and the most talented and the one for us." Part of the selection process as well as a founding musician, Deborah still plays with the PSO as its principal clarinet.

The first concert of the Plano Chamber Orchestra (PCO) was held Thursday, November 17, 1983 at Williams High School. It was the first of three that season. The audience was small, but Hector remembers the night as being very exciting, the start of what he thought could be "a wonderful musical adventure."

To appreciate the adventure it's truly been, one should first look to the PCO's archived program books. They provide the perfect visualization of the lives touched by the PCO and those who supported the organization in return. Gladys Harrington is one example. A founding PCO board member, she served six years on the board and sponsored the first several years of the Collin County Young Artist Competition.

The early programs are also a testament to growth—particularly in the number of volunteers and donors. One such early volunteer and donor was Alice Hobbs.

Alice started as a PCO League member during the 1985-1986 season. By the next year, she was offering her financial support.

She became president of ENCORE (the PCO League's new name) in 1987-1988, increased her level of giving, and was president of the board by the 1989-1990 season. Naming Alice executive director in 1991-1992 was a match made in heaven. Establishing a reputable orchestra was not without its challenges. Among them Alice clearly remembers the difficulty of marketing a "chamber orchestra" and securing a suitable venue. But people were her passion.

"One of her great pleasures was the people she met all along the way," Debbie Watson, the current PSO executive director, explains. "It's all about the people. That's her philosophy on life, so that's how she ran the organization." Hector recalls Sharon Blackwood, Alice's predecessor, whose "energy and enthusiasm carried us through. Then Alice came to solidify her work, and she took the orchestra to a different level."

During her tenure as executive director, the orchestra changed its name, found its home at the Eisemann Center, and strengthened its fundraising efforts. The Valentine Gala is now the PSO's signature fundraising event, and the Debutante Program, which has since expanded to also include an Honor Guard program, brings culture, education, and social events to high school students.

Alice gives credit for the PSO's triumphs to all the volunteers and leaders the PSO has attracted. "I believe the orchestra's growth and success is the result of collaboration, mutual support and the appreciation that musicians, staff, board, volunteers, and patrons have for each others' respective roles. We really enjoy working together with the result being fantastic concerts!"

But she doesn't give herself enough credit. Debbie recalls, "she had a way with people that would make them agree to volunteer, donate, or subscribe with a smile on their face. Classic Alice was, 'Are you coming to the next concert? You'll really enjoy it.' And she had a huge Rolodex. It was the heart of the communication database—it was the database," she jokes.

Reflecting further on Alice's instrumental role with the PSO, Debbie makes an astute observation. "Artistic excellence, while necessary, is not enough. It has to happen first and has to be the vision and focus, but without the leadership, without good governance, the organization will not be successful."

Those who started the PCO knew this to be true. And they wanted to be held accountable. Back in its very first program book, a promise was made: "The PCO plans to become a major musical force to represent Plano with pride and to enhance the artistic and musical education in our community, as well as to provide enjoyment." Today, with a large, dedicated community of volunteers and supporters, a database of patrons no Rolodex could hold, and six years of nearly sold-out seasons, the PSO has made good on that promise.

During this upcoming season, the PSO's concerts will be more than quality entertainment. The entire 2012-2013 programming has an underlying festive theme, especially the November performance. The concert is scheduled for November 17—30 years to the day of the orchestra's very first performance. Presentations and refreshments will follow, and everyone is invited to the party. And with the orchestra playing every concert this season, you can begin to see why the theme of this 30th Anniversary is "Be There!" As Alice would say, "Are you coming to the concert? You'll really enjoy it!" How can you say no? Be there. Enjoy the experience. It's a celebration not to be missed!

For a look at the 2012-2013 season click here