Midland Festival Ballet - Volunteer of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

2011 - Angie Snell

Angie Snell received the honor of this year’s Arts Council of Midland Volunteer of the year for Midland Festival Ballet. Working tirelessly behind the scenes as dressing room coordinator for the past 6 years, Angie has coordinated multiple dressing rooms for over 100 dancers ranging in ages and roles for the cast of The Nutcracker. She does so efficiently and pleasantly, always ready to address any issue, with a smile on her face!

Angie has also been in charge of planning the hair and make-up demonstration for The Nutcracker each year. In doing so, she teaches the cast member parents how each dancer’s hair and make-up needs to be done for the performances. She even goes one-step further and creates a list of possible products to buy, where to get them, and how much they will cost.

Lastly, Angie was an integral part of preparing the comprehensive handbook prepared for The Nutcracker this year. She spent many hours reading it over and making corrections, suggestions, and coming up with new ideas. It is with her volunteer help that The Nutcracker runs so smoothly. Angie is well deserving of this year’s outstanding volunteer award for Midland Festival Ballet.

2010 - David Kleinbeck

This year’s Distinguished Arts Volunteer for Midland Festival Ballet is David Kleinbeck. A retired Midland ISD German language teacher, “Herr” Kleinbeck served as “El Presidente” for MFB’s Board of Directors during the past season and is continuing a second year during 2010-2011.

Having trained and working as a professional musician, David quickly became a passionate and enthusiastic leader for the organization. He jumped right in conducting effective board meetings and communicating with all members as well as encouraging volunteer involvement and financial support.

Going above and beyond, David overtook the lead role to finalize new studio space previously approved by the Board of Directors for the School of MFB. David’s leadership included finding and confirming the new space, planning the studio layout and securing the contractor for the “build-out.” Throughout the process, David worked closely to monitor the progress and keep the board informed of developments. Above and beyond, he arranged shades at cost for all the windows in both studios!

For his leadership implementing the transition, David is deserving of this year’s recognition as a distinguished volunteer on behalf of Midland Festival Ballet. Now he too “enjoys” Pilates class with other students in the lovely new space! Just ask him!

2009 - Jack Hickman and Shelley Wright

Shelley Wright and Jack Hickman were recognized as Midland Festival Ballet’s 2008-09 Volunteer Couple of the Year at the Arts Assembly of Midland Annual Meeting held September 28 at The Junior League of Midland, Inc. Headquarters.

Shelley has served on the Board of Directors for the Midland Festival Ballet and offered her excellent organizational and administrative skills and has continued to support the Ballet as the 2008-09 Membership Chair.

Shelley has been a driving force in organizing "The Nutcracker" auditions for several years and has provided her friendly welcome and instructions to more than one-hundred parents and dancers per year to help the MFB move smoothly through the auditions for the production.

Shelley and Jack’s daughter, Rachel is a company member and the entire family has supported Rachel and the Midland Festival Ballet. Shelley is graciously willing to offer assistance where needed.

Jack has offered support for costumes and set design and/or repair at the drop of a hat. Midland Festival Ballet’s productions would be sorely lacking without the assistance of this fine artist, teacher and father! For Shelley and Jack’s hard work, support, vision and the assistance in guiding the Midland Festival Ballet, we are please to recognize them as our Volunteer couple of the year!

2008 - Leslie Smith

Leslie Smith was recognized as Midland Festival Ballet’s 2007-08 Volunteer of the Year at the Arts Assembly of Midland Annual Meeting held September 23, at Midland Community Theatre. Leslie has served on the Board of Directors for MFB since 2005 and has offered her excellent organizational and administrative skills.

She has been a driving force in "The Nutcracker" auditions for several years, providing a friendly welcome and instructions to more than 100 parents and dancers annually to help the auditions move smoothly. Leslie has also supported MFB through e-mail communications to keep the participating families on track and printed a membership directory.

Last year, Leslie assumed responsibility as trip coordinator for MFB’s annual participation in the Regional Dance America/Southwest Festival. She will again serve as coordinator for this year’s festival in Sugar Land, Texas. This huge responsibility entails Leslie coordinating transportation, lodging and food for nearly 30 participants over a four-day period. MFB was honored the last two seasons by being selected to perform on the Gala Night program.

Leslie’s daughter, Meagan, is a Senior Company Member and the entire family has supported her and the organization. Midland Festival Ballet appreciates Leslie Smith’s hard work, support, vision and assistance and is pleased to recognize her as the 2007-08 Volunteer of the Year.