Symphony Ball Debutantes announced for 2014 season

Symphony Ball Debutantes include McCarley Buchanan, front from left, Brooke Taylor, Emily Mantooth and Lindsay Birchfield; Eleanor Burke, middle from left, Carol Ann Kelly, Cara Sharpe, Grace Greco and Emily Brown; Brinn Loftin, back from left, Emily Knowling, Allie Hergert and Alexandra Herring. (CONTRIBUTED)

Symphony Ball Debutantes include Allison Vann, front from left, Darby Steinberger, Emily Sutphin and Rachel Givens; Cecilia Masucci, middle from left, Caroline Easterling, Anna Katherine Kimbrough and Merrill Boles; Harper Stephens, back from left, Katherine McCown, Callie Cole and Bailey Geiger. (CONTRIBUTED)

Symphony Ball Debutantes include Kalli Scherlis, front from left, Sanders Clayton, Anna Lee Lawson and Caroline McCrary; Beth Byers, middle from left, Spencer Anglin, Alexandra Ferguson and Madison Sheible; Alli Murphree, back from left, Lauren Hammond, Lillie Brown and Elizabeth Earles. Emily Cragon and Alice Stallworth are not pictured. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – Symphony Ball Debutantes have been announced for the 2014 social season.

The 2014 debutantes have completed their freshman year at college. “They look forward to an exciting season of social activities with their families and friends, as well as participating in a very special service project,” publicity chairperson Sharon Gartrell said.

The Symphony Ball season will lead to their debuts at the 51st annual gala in the North Hall of the Von Braun Center on Nov. 1. Members of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild coordinate the season’s events.

Debutantes and their fathers attended a training seminar at The Ledges on May 22 “to enhance the beauty and pageantry of the formal presentation of the Symphony Ball,” Gartrell said.

At the “Debutante and Dads Event,” ball chairman Pam Gann welcomed guests with coffee, tea and elegant desserts prepared by The Ledges’ culinary team. Mark Jaeger photographed the debutantes set against scenic views overlooking Huntsville.

Chairmen Debbie Overcash and Brenda Milberger organized the evening’s events.

Randy Roper, long-time advisor to the Symphony Ball, instructed the debutantes and their fathers on formal presentation and the curtsy.

The ‘debs and dads’ learned a choreographed waltz to be performed the night of the ball. Debra Jenkins of Merrimack Hall, Hayley Henderson of Element Huntsville and assistants Peyton Davis, Corey Rives and Emma Jenkins taught the choreography.

“They will dance to the ‘Voices of Spring Waltz’ by Johann Strauss II,” Gartrell said.

At the ball, former debutantes of the Huntsville Symphony Ball over the past 50 years will be invited to join the 2014 debutantes in a special dance.

Held since 1964, the Symphony Ball is a major fundraising event for Huntsville’s own professional orchestra. The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild gives many hours of work to prepare for the event.

For more information, visit hsoguild.org.