Debs in 1967 celebrate Neiman Marcus' Fortnight with the Lord Provost of Edinburgh
As the Richardson Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Lake Highlands’ participants in the Symphony League’s Debutante program are looking back at the organization’s rich traditions and reflecting on how the group has prepared them for college and life.
The Richardson Symphony Guild (now called the League) formed in 1966 and began hosting events for and with their daughters in 1967 as a way to expose them to world of music, art and ideas. Fundraising for the RSO was part of their mission, as was learning etiquette and preparing to enter society life.
Today, Debs are still “presented” with the traditional low, full-court bow (the girls jokingly call it the “debutante dip”) in white ball gowns and full-length gloves (tiaras were added in 2001). They spend much more of their time, though, with their sleeves rolled up, giving their time and serving others in the community.
“I’ve acquired so many skills from Debs,” said Jillian Murphy, who was a Wildcat varsity cheerleader before heading off to Oklahoma University in 2009. “I think the greatest asset I’ve learned is to take the initiative in whatever you’re doing.”
LHHS 2010 grad Abbey Smith in her debutante ball gown and tiara
“The program taught me not only etiquette and manners,” added Jillian’s cousin, LHHS 2009 grad Abbey Smith, “but also how to give back to the community. We had meetings each month where well-known speakers gave us tips on sorority recruitment, self-defense, nutrition, confidence, etc.” Abbey was a Highlandette lieutenant at LHHS and now also attends OU.
In 2003, the League added the Honor Guard program, and by 2010, more senior boys were contributing service hours and escorting symphony patrons than senior girls.
“Although I loved volunteering for Santa’s Village and the Symphony concerts, I enjoyed even more meeting Debutantes and Honor Guards from different schools in the Richardson area,” said Abbey. “I met some of the greatest people, and some are friends who I still talk to on a regular basis today.”
Today’s Deb and Honor Guard program is smaller, and the League is using the 50th anniversary to recruit new members and stir excitement about service with the Symphony. Mattie Briscoe is an LHHS sophomore, a Highlandette and LH’s only participant.
“The debutante program is great because you get to help people and lead them through events and be kind to them,” Mattie told me. “I learned that I love giving of my time to help others. I have acquired major people skills and I feel accomplished in so many ways. Helping others is so much fun.”
If you’d like more information about the Deb and Honor Guard programs, you can visit their website here, or you can attend the RSO’s annual Holiday Classics concert December 3rd at 8pm at Richardson’s Eisemann Center and visit directly with the students as they distribute programs and usher you to your seat.
