West Chester Symphony Orchestra

“WEST CHESTER TWP. — The West Chester Symphony Orchestra will host its own version of “Dancing with the Stars” with the “Dance the Night Away” fundraiser April 17. The annual fundraiser has a different theme each year, orchestra conductor Susan Schirmer said. Last year’s theme was a rock ‘n’ roll party; for 2010, the orchestra will provide musical backing while four township luminaries strut their stuff — or at least try to — with the help of professional dance instructors. The four contestants are Kathy Rambo, vice president of special events for the West Chester Chamber Alliance; Lee Wong, West Chester Twp. board of trustees president; Patti Alderson, board president for the Community Foundation of West Chester and Liberty; and Jimmy Schmalz, local restaurateur and entrepreneur. Wong is less than certain of his dancing abilities, but it’s all for fun and a good cause, he said. “I say I dance like a two-by-four, but I do it for the community,” Wong said. Wong wasn’t sure yet what dance he would be performing, saying “I’ll have to try it out first and see what I’m good at.” The professional dance instructors will be coordinated by Deb Calabrese, a professional ballroom dancer who has appeared on tour with “Dancing with the Stars.” Rehearsals for the fundraiser had only just started this week, she said. The orchestra will play various kinds of dance music, ranging from waltzes to swing to rhumbas, Schirmer said. This is the orchestra’s eighth annual fundraiser, which typically draws about 150 people and raises “several thousand” dollars each year, Schirmer said. The event funds one-third to half of the orchestra’s budget. The event also will include silent and live auctions, dinner, dessert and dancing for the audience as well. The fundraiser will be in the grand ballroom of the Marriott North Hotel at 6189 Muhlhauser Road. Reservations are required, with tickets costing $55 per person. The registration deadline is Monday, April 12. To reserve seating, contact the orchestra’s financial officer, Donna Carr, at Donna@westchester
symphony.org.”

“COMMUNITY LEADERS TO COMPETE IN LOCAL NON-PROFIT DANCE COMPETITION March 22, 2010, West Chester, OH—Four of West Chester’s finest have agreed to “Dance the Night Away” in a charity dance competition to benefit the West Chester Symphony’s fundraising efforts at their annual gala on April 17. The evening’s contestants will include Kathy Rambo, Vice President of Special Events for the West Chester Chamber Alliance; Lee Wong, President of the Board in West Chester Township; Patti Alderson, President of the Board for the Community Foundation of West Chester and Liberty; Jimmy Schmalz, local restaurateur and entrepreneur. Kathy Rambo says this is her chance to give back to the symphony. “I have enjoyed getting to know the WCSO over the past several years. The symphony has always said yes when I called for musicians for a community event. Now it’s my turn to give back and have fun in the process!” President of the Board of West Chester Township, Lee Wong, says his wife, Terri, encouraged him to dance for the orchestra’s cause. “I was reluctant but my wife Terri persuaded me to give it a try. They really have their work cut out for them. I have two left feet and no rhythm.” Mr. Wong also adds, “West Chester is a fantastic community. We have so many good residents who appreciate the fine arts and the symphony.” Professional dance instructors coordinated by Deb Calabrese will coach the amateur dancers. Ms. Calabrese has been a professional ballroom dancer for the past 6 years, is a member of the National Dance Counsel and has appeared with “Dancing with the Stars” on tour. The dancers will dance to waltzes, rumbas, salsas, and cha-chas played live by the West Chester Symphony. The evening will also include solo numbers performed by the orchestra, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, dancing opportunities for the audience, and silent and live auctions. Any proceeds from the event benefit the West Chester Symphony Orchestra. The annual gala will take place on Saturday, April 17 at 6 in the evening in the grand ballroom of the Marriott North Hotel, 6189 Muhlhauser Rd. Information about reserving seating for the event is listed on the orchestra’s website. Corporate seating and sponsorships are also available. ###”