About TFONSA

Two trustees of The Florida Orchestra, Barry Alpert and Maria Cantonis along with long-time subscriber Mary Turner, began to recruit members for orchestra support group in 1992.  Members began meeting in the Fall and developed the organization’s structure – forming a planning committee, selecting a name and writing a mission statement. Activities centered on education, audience development and fund-raising. The Florida Orchestra North Suncoast Associates, Inc. was born.  
A twenty-one person Steering Committee, led by officers Mary Turner, Joyce Barnett, Rhoda Smolensky, with orchestra trustees Barry Alpert and Maria Cantonis, held the first Tune-Up Meeting for current and potential members on March 30, 1993

For the next two years, TFONSA recruited members, conducted general meetings, initiated the Meet the Artist series, recognized new orchestra subscribers at Ruth Eckerd Hall, delivered orchestra literature to community events, gave assistance to Youth Concerts, preconcert lectures, Orchestra 101, a children’s petting zoo of musical instruments, promoted fundraising projects and inaugurated the Bravura Brunch which has generated major funds for the Orchestra.

In 1994 the Steering Committee wrote bylaws and adopted a regular organization structure. In May 1995, Susan Siewruk was installed as the first elected president of The Florida Orchestra North Suncoast Associates.

 Today, TFONSA continues to organize events to promote The Florida Orchestra.

Lynda, Pat, Sue, Diane M, Diane S

Executive Committee

Lynda Olander

President

Diane Merando

Vice President

Sue Ulrey

Recording Secretary

Diane Spaulding

Corresponding Secretary

Dr. Patricia Donohue

Treasurer

Eleanor Cicerchi

Past President

Lynda, Betty, Denise, Bunni, Scott, Diane, Pat and Joan

Committee Chairs

Betty Seropian

Membership

Denise Hofer

Social Media

Bunni and Scott Lefebvre

Hospitality

Diane Merando

Volunteer

Joan Nix Gutierrez

Education

Dr Patricia Donohue
and Lynda Olander

Fundraising