Sun City resident Esther Bell had words of admiration for one of her neighbors, Sandy Magana.
“She has been a dedicated member of the Elgin Symphony League (ESL) for over 25 years and manages the Boutique at the Hemmens Cultural Center, during performances. Before that, she served as an usherer at ESO concerts for six years, including during Bob Hansen’s 25th anniversary season. It is an experience she fondly remembers.”
Who is Magana? She was chosen as Volunteer of the Year by the ESO. The announcement was made at one of the concerts. In addition, she also chairs the league’s boutique. She is responsible for purchasing merchandise, setting up, and selling products for the boutique at concerts.
“Patrons were coming to me at the boutique and congratulating me. It was so nice. They also complimented me on the variety of items sold at the boutique,” Magana said.
Magana relates how she got started volunteering at ESO.
“A man from my church gave me the idea,” she said. “I enjoyed the concerts, and he said that if I could volunteer as an usher, I could attend the concerts for free. I became involved and joined the Elgin Symphony League (ESL) in 2003.”
A poster at ESO commemorates the Elgin Symphony League, where Bell volunteers. (Photo provided)
Since 1971, the Elgin Symphony League (ESL) has supported the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The members contribute their time and talents to the League’s many projects and serve as ambassadors to the community on behalf of the ESO.
The ESL also manages the Boutique in the lobby of the Hemmens Cultural Center before each concert and during intermissions. The League donates sales revenue from the Boutique to the ESO.
Magana said, “A good friend of mine was running the boutique, and at intermission, I started helping. I eventually took on the role of chair of the boutique and have been serving in this capacity for ten years. Last year, we raised $12000 from the boutique.”
Magana is always on the lookout for merchandise with a musical theme or items that complement a concert. You can find gifts for the music lover in your life at the boutique. There is jewelry, clothing, music boxes, and ornaments.
“I am shopping all the time. I start in October for the six concerts,” Magana said.
Magana has found some great items for the Día de los Muertos ESO Concert on Thursday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m.
In addition to her merchandising work, Magana has a long-time relationship with music. She has been a member of Prairie Voices of Sun City. She has also been a member of the Elgin Master Chorale for 25 years.
