In the spring of 1989, a group of citizens, with the common interest of encouraging and supporting the musical arts in the Winter Haven community, met and formed the Symphony Guild of Winter Haven, Inc. Initial contributions to the guild were made by local residents, Mrs. Raymond Golden, and Mrs. Sarah Hayes. Through their generosity, a 501c(3) status was secured and the first concert season was planned. Charter guild memberships added to the efforts and a Board of Directors was elected with business conducted at monthly meetings. Throughout the twenty-one seasons of the SGWH, musical experiences have been brought to the community through a season of concerts and performances and have become known as Symphony Guild “Signatures”. The Guild proudly sponsors music students at Polk State College through scholarships that allow them to continue their music studies at a four year college. Auditions for these scholarships are held in January. The Symphony Guild of Winter Haven is growing with the city and truly has a “noteworthy” place in the community that it serves!
