Mission
The purpose of the Association is to promote music in Central New York. This purpose shall be accomplished through fund-raising, educational, and public relations activities.
Fulfilling Our Mission
The Syracuse Sounds of Music Association, Inc. is an advocate for the promotion and support of music throughout Central New York's six counties: Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, and Oswego. We do this through a number of fundraising activities and events. Proceeds from our efforts go toward grant funding to Central New York non-profit organizations that offer music programming, music education, or community support through music. Funding is also allocated toward a major sponsorship of The Syracuse Orchestra.
History
In 1957, a dedicated group of women who believed that Syracuse should have an orchestra formed the Syracuse Symphony Guild. In 1960, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra was established, and the Syracuse Symphony Association (the Guild’s successor) was founded to help support it financially through various means of fundraising.
In the Spring of 2011, the SSO began the transition to a new business model, and officially became Symphoria in December of 2012. The SSA reorganized, as well, becoming the Syracuse Sounds of Music Association, Inc. (SSMA) in the Fall of 2011. In February of 2024, the orchestra renamed itself The Syracuse Orchestra. SSMA has successfully raised funds to support not only The Syracuse Orchestra, but many CNY non-profit organizations that present music programming or offer music education.
Board of Directors
Barbara Barnell, president & treasurer
Sheila Sostrin, asst. treasurer
Jean Edminster, secretary
Meg Aufmuth, Encore co-manager
Sandy Rosenfeld, Encore co-manager
Pam Baran
Barbara Brown
Lou Anne Colaneri
Stephanie Ladd
Jennifer Loh
Stephanie Macklin-Macero
Janet Mallan
Michele Mider
Donna Miller
Maria Miller
Ruth Perkins
Jane Roller
Mary Thompson
Cathy Winger
The Syracuse Orchestra Sponsorship
The Syracuse Sounds of Music Association supports The Syracuse Orchestra annually with a major sponsorship.
For the 2023-2024 season, SSMA awarded the orchestra $25,000, the highest dollar amount to date, to underwrite the Holiday Pops concert performances, the Coronation Celebration concert, and the Kids Concert Series. We are proud to offer our continued support and advocacy of Central New York's finest orchestra.
