At the December 7 performance of LCCO's Christmas concert "A Holiday Portrait," Sanford Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon surprised LCCO’s long-serving president and bass player Reinette Stephenson with a proclamation honoring Stephenson’s contributions to the arts and cultural life of Lee County.
“The mayor and I were called from the audience to come upfront and draw names for the door prizes, an entirely ordinary request,” said Stephenson.
“But then Rebecca turned to me and read the proclamation. It was completely unexpected! When everyone stood and applauded, I could only mouth “thank you."
The mayor’s proclamation reads:
Whereas, the Lee County Community Orchestra brings together volunteer musicians of different ages and musical backgrounds to perform free concerts of classical and popular music…
Whereas, the Lee County Community Orchestra is an important cultural amenity that speaks to the qualities and talents of the people who love and work in the community…
Whereas, for more than three decades, Reinette Seaman Stephenson has led the Lee County Community Orchestra in providing free concerts for the Sanford, Lee County, and central North Carolina Community…
Whereas, Reinette Seaman Stephenson is a talented musician and educator who has instilled a love of the arts in those around her while also playing the string bass in hundreds of programs in Sanford and the surrounding area…
Whereas, Reinette Seaman Stephenson is known for her unwavering, deep, and lasting commitment to the arts in Lee County and especially for her guidance and leadership as a member of the Lee County Community Orchestra.
Now, therefore, by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Sanford, I, Rebecca Wyhof Salmon, do hereby recognize Reinette Seaman Stephenson for her wonderful gifts of leadership and musicianship and for enriching lives in Sanford and Lee County.
Stephenson stepped back from her performing and leadership roles with the orchestra in 2024.
“There is not an adequate adjective in the English language to fully describe the admiration and appreciation we all feel for Reinette’s outstanding guidance, leadership and support of every aspect of the orchestra,” said Ken Hoyle, member of the LCCO Board of Directors.
“From the smallest detail to the broadest challenge, she worked for years to protect, promote, and perpetuate the orchestra’s rightful place in Lee County and the regional arts community. “
Stephenson will continue to provide counsel and support to the LCCO Board of Directors as President Emeritus.
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