Oakland Symphony Orchestra Donor Reception

April 12, 2022

• Thank you so much for being here tonight.
  
  
• Last year, we missed this reception event because
  of COVID, and because of the weather, we had to
  cancel an outside event.
  
  
• We appreciate your patience…. And your
  perseverance.
  
  
• Those who are in the arts know all too well about
  perseverance.
  
  
• The arts hold up a mirror to society…
  
  
• Art makes us feel, think, look at life from another
  perspective.
  
  
• The artists’ work reflects the emotions and feelings
  that define us as individuals and our collective
  humanity.
  
  
• Thank you for your appreciation and support of the
  arts, and the vital role the arts play in bringing us
  together… and, at their very best, for bringing us
  together to help heal us.
  
  
• Tonight, I know you will be impressed with the
  quality of musicianship, which, I believe, reflects
  the quality of music education at Oakland
  University, a testament to our dedicated and talent
  faculty.
  
  
• You’ll see and hear our students and faculty
  performing side by side. Students and faculty
  working together to make music is what
  distinguishes the OU Department of Music, which
  is accredited by the National Association of
  Schools of Music.
  
  
• To provide a first-class, inspiring musical
  education for students, we are making extensive
  renovations to Varner Hall. We believe there is a
  great opportunity to attract students as we further
  develop our rehearsal and performance spaces,
  and as we create more spaces, we are certain that
  Oakland’s music reputation will be further
  elevated.
  
  
• And, of course, I must emphasize that our
  excellent program is anchored by an incredibly
  talented staff, who, by the way, are also showing
  their perseverance for putting up with some of the
  inconveniences caused by the renovation
  construction.
  
  
• As each of you know, the arts are one of the pillars
  in higher education.
  
  
  • Often, the conversation about the sciences
    and business take center stage… but a truly
    engaging and inspiring university will have
    the arts at the core of the student experience.
    
    
• At Oakland, we are committed to the arts… and
  the role artists and the arts play in our world….
  
  
• We invite you to learn more about our plans to
  develop the arts and arts programing, and be a
  part of the OU arts community.
  
  
• Thank you