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Music has a special place in the lives of many people. It has the power to provide pleasure, assist in healing both the mind and the body and in unlocking the creative spirit.

We are blessed to have people among us who provide the hard work and funding necessary to bring beautiful symphony music to our community.

Rosemary Reed has made significant contributions to the Greensboro Symphony Guild and has been described as a role model for the entire guild.

“She has a winning smile, gentle nature and pleasant personality which makes all guild members feel welcome and supported,” said Connie Saul, guild president.

“She exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism in her can-do attitude coupled with kindness and willingness to work hard,” said Suzy Walker, a former guild president. “She also combines the wisdom of experience with the willingness to embrace new ideas.”

A member of the guild since 1998, Reed was recently presented the 2009 Golden Note Award, given annually to honor a guild member who has made an outstanding service contribution to the guild and the community.

“I was overwhelmed and humbled by this wonderful recognition,” Reed said. “In the guild I am surrounded by talented, creative, brilliant and motivated women who are passionate about bringing the music of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra to the public. It is the guild’s energy that has been my inspiration, and I am grateful for their friendship.”

Reed came to Greensboro from Pittsburgh in 1994 when her husband, Bob, took a position with Jefferson-Pilot.

Over her career as a teacher and, more recently, with the guild, Reed has had a passion to expose children to beautiful music and help them have more music appreciation. She has chaired both the Elementary School Concert for third- and fourth-graders and the Music in the Middle Concert for seventh-graders, both held at War Memorial Auditorium.

“It is our mission to create a welcoming environment and a positive experience for these children who may be the symphony audience of the future,” Reed said. Following this year’s Music in the Middle Concert, one young reviewer remarked that the production was “Wowly awesome!”

The theme of the Greensboro Symphony Guild is “Music Matters,” and Reed said she feels that music really does matter to every person in the greater Greensboro area.

When Reed served first as guild chair for adult outreach, she attended a program for Music at Midday at the Adult Enrichment Center. The site was one of several hour-long music ensemble performances for senior citizens.

Reed noticed many seniors tapping their toes and nodding their heads to the rhythm of the music. A man with dementia was in a wheelchair with his head bowed and his eyes shut. A familiar tune seemed to awaken his spirit, because he started to whistle on key when the refrain was repeated. If only for a brief few minutes of recall, Reed could see that this musical interlude had a profound impact on the elderly gentleman.

Guild member Debbie Faircloth feels Reed not only serves as a role model for the guild, but that she is a role model for all women because of her volunteer work in the community.

“I admire her for getting immersed into the Greensboro community in a major way after her move from Pittsburgh,” Faircloth said. “In these challenging economic times when arts programs are being threatened, Rosemary remains committed to improving our quality of life here in the Triad. She has used her volunteer time and talents as an educator and music lover to share the gift of music with all, especially those elementary and middle school students who may have never had the opportunity to enjoy our wonderful symphony before.”

Reed looks forward to the symphony orchestra’s upcoming season of concerts. She appreciates the Greensboro homeowners willing to open their homes for the annual Symphony Homes Tour, as well as the residents who attend and support this fundraising tour.

“We are fortunate to have golfers who love to participate in the Guild Golf Tournament and volunteers waiting and willing to help,” she said.

Since Bob’s retirement, the Reeds share many volunteer activities together.

As members of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, the Reeds collect food for Urban Ministry, work the canteen at the parish blood drives, help with the parish picnic, and are facilitators for small church community meetings.

Bob Reed belongs to the Guild Gents, a spousal support group for the guild. He has been supportive in working for the Guild Homes Tour and the children’s concerts. He often introduces guest speakers at the preludes before the Masterworks Series.

“Through Rosemary and Bob Reed’s examples of service,” Saul said, “We are all becoming stronger advocates for our orchestra and the many wonderful programs offered to every citizen in Guilford County.”

Reed said her parents never asked her to be the best; they always told her to “just do your best.” She grew up believing, “If I put forth my best effort by preparing well, by organizing my time, by prioritizing my activities/obligations, I would be more than pleased with the outcome.”

This philosophy has served her and her community well.

To nominate a person who has or is making a difference in the lives of others, contact Peggy Longmire at rlongmire@triad.rr.com or 288-9040.