AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Business, Patron, Legislator, Volunteer
About the Awards
The TASO Awards of Excellence are awarded to a business, patron, legislator, and volunteer (4 awards given) in recognition of outstanding service, support, and promotion of the interests and growth of symphony orchestras.
• The Business Award is given to a business that has shown exceptional service, support and/or promotion of the interests and growth of a symphony orchestra
• The Patron Award is given to a person who has given financial support to a symphony orchestra, but not necessarily been active in the member organization
• The Legislator Award is given to a person who has shown support for the arts as a legislator
• The Volunteer Award is given to a person(s) who has served in a volunteer capacity above and beyond his/her volunteer role
It is imperative that a representative from the nominating organization and the winner be present at the ceremony during the annual conference in Corpus Christi (April 17-18, 2026). The ceremony is usually the first night of conference. If the winner cannot be present, he or she should be represented by someone with whom he or she works or by a family member. The nominating member organization is responsible for the expense of the winner to attend the awards dinner.
Please submit the nominations using the following guidelines:
• Consideration period is the past five years although past participation is also considered
• Nominations should be submitted by email. Forms are found on the TASO website (www.tasovolunteers.com.) under the “Awards” tab
• Include nomination letter and the completed form (found on website) and attached picture.
• You may include up to three (3) letters of support, also by e-mail, with a picture of each nominee.
CLICK FOR ONLINE NOMINATION FORM
Deadline is September 15, 2025.
_______________________________________
PAST WINNERS
Awards of Excellence 2024-2025
Business
AT&T
Nominated by the Women’s Symphony League of Austin
Patron
Sheryl Rogers Palmer
Nominated by the Women’s Symphony League of Tyler
Volunteer
Marsha K. Green
Nominated by the Waco Symphony Council
Awards of Excellence 2023-2024
Volunteer
Annette Findley, Tyler
Patron
James and Margaret Perkins, Tyler
Business
Fashion Glass & Mirror - Lisa and Larry Jaynes, Waco
Advocacy
Ann S. Graham, Austin
Legislator
The Honorable Brian Birdwell, Texas Senate District 22, Grandbury
Awards of Excellence 2022-2023
Business
Street Toyota of Amarillo
Amarillo Symphony League
Patron
Tammy and Charlie Miller
Plano Symphony League
Volunteer
Jill Powell
Women’s Symphony League of Austin
____________________________________________
Awards of Excellence 2021-2022
Business
John Rydman and Spec’s Wines, Spirits, & Finer Foods
Houston Symphony League
Spec’s has supported the Houston Symphony for 25 years and
has contributed more that $6 million during that time.
Patron
Lee and Candy Pfluger
San Angelo Symphony Guild
The Pfluger’s have been involved with the San Angelo community for many years.
They have given generously of their time and money. Each has been President of the Symphony and Candy has been president of the Guild.
Volunteer
Tim Collins
Lubbock Symphony Guild
Mr. Collins has been instrumental in the planning and construction of Lubbock’s
Buddy Holly Hall for the Preforming Arts and Sciences where the Lubbock Symphony performs.
Legislator
Honorable Mary Gonzålez form District 75