REBECCA BELL CHAMPIONS WEST TEXAS SYMPHONY FOR ITS HIGH-QUALITY MUSIC AND EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
Rebecca Bell, a passionate advocate for the arts, has thrown her support behind the West Texas Symphony, citing her deep personal connection and appreciation for the symphony's contributions to the community. Rebecca's journey with the symphony began when she moved to Midland and attended concerts, further deepened when her father became the symphony's executive director in 1991.
“I first became acquainted with the symphony when I moved to Midland,” Rebecca recalls. “I enjoy classical music and had attended a few concerts as a young child. But my interest really grew when my father was hired as executive director. I realized the quality of musicians we had, and when Gary took over as conductor, it got even better because he's so talented.”
Rebecca's commitment to the symphony is fueled by her love for the arts and her desire to see it continue thriving in the region. “I have a passion for the arts, especially performing arts. I enjoy it, but I also want to see it continue in this area,” she explained. “There are so many other entertainment options now, but to hear fantastic music, the symphony is outstanding.”
Her father's legacy as executive director, a role he held for nearly 20 nonconsecutive years, also inspires her. “He was always in financial management and was brought in when the symphony's finances were dire. He helped stabilize it, which was a huge accomplishment,” she said.
Rebecca sees the symphony as a crucial cultural asset that has significantly impacted her life. “The enjoyment of attending concerts on a Saturday evening is irreplaceable,” she noted. She also values the symphony's educational mission. “I love the Marvelous Melodies program and the fact that the symphony educates children and exposes them to music.”
Rebecca's dedication to the symphony is evident in her advocacy efforts. “I invite friends to concerts and talk about the symphony's fantastic performances. People often think classical music is boring, but our symphony offers much more than only classical,” she said.
Her financial support is also steadfast. “The symphony is one of the three things I donate to because I believe in the importance of having good quality music in the Permian Basin,” Bell asserted.
As for her favorite upcoming concerts, she is particularly excited about the February performance featuring pianist Tony DeSare and the April performance of “The Rite of Spring.”
She hopes the symphony's legacy will be one of consistent, high-quality music and expanded educational outreach. “I want to see the symphony perform for another 60 years,” she said. For Rebecca, the West Texas Symphony is more than just music — it's a vital part of the community and her life.
