After 18 years as Concert Orchestra conductor, Emilie Grondin announced her retirement at our May 2024 concert. SBYSO thanks her for her dedication, talent, and vision as she has mentored hundreds of students during this time. The Emilie Grondin Concert Orchestra Conductor Chair Fund was created in 2024 by an anonymous donor who established a $100,000 matching gift to create a named chair in Emilie Grondin’s honor. To this date, we have raised close to $85,000 toward this match. After we fulfill the match, we aim to raise an additional $100,000 for a total of $300,000, which would fully endow this conductor chair. The first to hold this named chair is Zac Coudret, our current Concert Orchestra conductor.

Mrs. Grondin has served SBYSO as Concert Orchestra chair for 18 years, and spent 30 years as music educator at The Stanley Clark School in South Bend, IN. In addition to her Concert Orchestra Conductor role, Mrs. Grondin’s engagement with SBYSO extended to include Coordinator of our Chamber Music Program, chamber music coach, and instructor of private lessons, including for students with significant financial need. She is also the mother of two SBYSO alumnae—her daughters, Michelle and Elizabeth.

Concert Orchestra alumnae, families, parents, and those who wish to recognize Mrs. Grondin’s significant legacy can make a donation toward the Emilie Grondin Concert Orchestra Conductor Chair Fund at this website: https://cfsjc.org/for-donors/give-now/ . Choose “A Named family Fund” and specify the Emilie Grondin Concert Orchestra Conductor Chair Fund.

The SBYSO would also like to sincerely thank Mrs. Grondin for all that she has contributed, in so many ways, to SBYSO and its mission. We wish her a fond farewell and a happy retirement!

There are two ways to support this fund:

2. Write a check payable to SBYSO, with “Grondin Fund” in the subject line, and mail to:

SBYSO

South Bend, IN 46634-7111

Thank you for helping us to honor Mrs. Grondin in this meaningful way, to recognize her significant tenure with and contributions to SBYSO.