Beat the Drums For Bob
A chorus of kudos for Toledo Symphony CEO Bob Bell
It was a highfalutin’ affair and it was all about Bob.
There was a thunderstorm of drum rolls Tuesday night at the stately Toledo Club in honor of Bob Bell, president and CEO of the Toledo Symphony, who is celebrating his 50th year with the organization. The Toledo Symphony Jazz Trio, Woodwind Quintet, String Quartet, plus Nancy Lendrim on the harp played softly as guests mingled. The Centennial Room echoed with chatter, then remarks came from symphony board chairman Mike Thaman, Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, state Rep. Mark Wagoner, and Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop, who presented a proclamation. Congratulations were sent from Henry Fogel, the American Symphony Orchestra League’s president and CEO.
The reception, titled “Beat the Drums For Bob,” was attended by some 100 guests. It ended with a video of Mr. Bell, from his first days as a percussionist with the symphony at the age of 17 to his current position.
The night still young, nearly 200 “Bob” fans — trustees, present and former, major benefactors, Mr. Bell’s family, and friends, including former Blade music critic Steven Cornelius — crushed into the main dining room for more pomp and circumstance. And what a classy yet fun affair!
The tasty surf-and-turf dinner was garnished with vibrant violet orchids and topped with chocolate truffles, strawberries, and kiwi for dessert. A sea of crisp white-linen-covered tables were centered with pictures of Mr. Bell and drums decorated with orange lilies and red roses. A pair of drumsticks was at each place setting. Gabe Sobieski, principal percussion, gave a quick drum lesson and invited guests to “Beat the Drums for Bob” instead of applauding — a tap here and a tap, tap, tap there. Needless to say, there was lots of noise as drum rolls were heard throughout the evening.
The who’s who of Toledo group included former presidents and officers of the Toledo Symphony board, including John Spitzer, a trustee for 52 years, and Bob Lanigan and Howard Madigan, plus past presidents from the Toledo Symphony League, including Diane Churdar, Margaret Doresco, and Mary Pat Anderson. And of course, there were plenty of area business leaders. Also present were Mr. Bell’s daughters, Lynn VanVorhees and Katie Byers, and his fiance, Kate Arnos.
Dick Anderson described Mr. Bell in one word — care, because he cares. He credited Mr. Bell with having the vision and leadership skills to bring the orchestra, staff, and supporters together, saying that is why it is so successful. Ann Stranahan, who moved here about 50 years ago when she married her husband, Steve, remembered a young Mr. Bell with curly hair and a cherubic face. Steve Stranahan said, “the single constant is Bob’s ability to adjust with change, and we have always come out stronger, better, healthier ...”
Interspersed throughout the dinner were exquisite performances by violinist Kirk Toth and pianist Frances Renzi, and a dueling strings presentation by violinist Merwin Siu and bassist Bill McDevitt. The brass quintet performed a fanfare to begin the festivities, and principal oboe Kim Bryden and principal keyboardist Valrie Kantorski were unforgettable.
A portrait of Mr. Bell by Sam Knecht, chairman of the department of art at Hillsdale College, was unveiled. The icing on the cake was the announcement of a $2 million endowment for artistic development initiated with a challenge grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, matched with local contributions and named in honor of Mr. Bell. Bill Buckley, board treasurer for nearly two decades, had jet lag after he and his wife, Jean, returned from Australia in the nick of time to be there. He announced that $78,000 already had been raised. Donations are still coming in, according to Kathy Carroll, vice president of development, who orchestrated the evening with a chorus of help.
Drums sounded again as Mr. Bell came to the podium while the crowd gave him a well-deserved standing ovation. Mr. Bell said he wrote something about everyone present, but refrained from mentioning it all, saying, “there are so many memories ... thanks for your unwavering care.” Then he credited the success of the symphony to devoted performers, staff, volunteers, patrons, and sponsors, ending with “here is the heart and soul of the symphony” as he pointed to the crowd. At the end of the evening, colleagues and guests, especially those who bought one of the centerpieces, stood patiently as Mr. Bell autographed their keepsake drums.
The celebration was supported by the Friends of Bob, including Fran and Dick Anderson, Jean and Bill Buckley, Richard Hylant and the Hylant Group, George Isaac, Kathy and George Jones, Connie and Tom Schmidt, Ann and Steve Stranahan, and Lisa Gathard and Mr. Thaman, plus musicians and staff of the orchestra.
Guests also included George and Pat Seifried, Posy Huebner, Pat Appold, Jackie Rousseau Werner and her husband, Hank Werner, Carol Gee, Phil and Johnna McWeeny, Pat and Bob Levey, and Bill DeHoff.
Bravo, Bob!
Barbara Hendel is the Blade's Society Editor. She can be reached at bhendel@theblade.com
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