Hope you’re celebrating: It’s David Schillhammer Day

This is a music story, not a theater story, but it must be told.

It’s David Schillhammer Day in Orlando.

Schillhammer, executive director of the Orlando Philharmonic, has officially put in 10 years in Orlando, so Mayor Buddy has made it David Schillhammer Day. We should all be celebrating the way I know he is.

Seriously, David is one of the best people and one of the strongest leaders in the local arts community, and we’re lucky to have kept him here. I’m going to raise a glass to him as soon as it gets to be happy hour. You should, too.

(By the way, I’m glad that the mayor, left, dressed up to hand out the proclamation. But it is Friday.)

Here’s the official story:

Mayor Dyer Proclaims April 30 “David Schillhammer Day”
In honor of the Orlando Philharmonic Executive Director

David Schillhammer, Executive Director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, has been presented with a proclamation by Mayor Buddy Dyer in recognition of his role as a community leader. April 30 marks the 10th anniversary for Schillhammer as Executive Director of the Philharmonic, and his impact on our arts community during this past decade has been tremendous.  To recognize Schillhammer’s efforts securing the Orlando Philharmonic as a cultural leader in Central Florida, Mayor Dyer has proclaimed April 30, 2010 “David Schillhammer Day.”

Carol Conner, President of the Philharmonic’s Board of Directors, shares her enthusiasm for this honor. “The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is extremely blessed to have such a gifted, dedicated Executive Director as David Schillhammer,” says Conner.  “We are so excited that Mayor Dyer has declared today to be ‘David Schillhammer Day.’  David’s tireless work in the arts has richly benefitted the orchestra and the entire Central Florida Community.”

The Proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS,     the City of Orlando will honor Executive Director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, David Schillhammer.

WHEREAS,     the April 30, 2010 celebration of the tenth anniversary of David Schillhammer as Executive Director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

WHEREAS,     David Schillhammer was born on October 2nd 1965 in Burlington, Vermont and was educated at the Eastman School of Music receiving his Bachelors of Music in Bassoon Performance.

WHEREAS,     David Schillhammer moved to Central Florida in April 2000. Prior to Orlando, David served as executive director of the San Antonio Symphony, general manager of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and production and education coordinator for the Rochester (NY) Philharmonic.

WHEREAS,     his lifelong love of the arts and enjoyment of music led David Schillhammer to the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. David has been consistent in his commitment to both the artistic and financial success of the Orlando Philharmonic.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BUDDY DYER, Mayor of the City of Orlando, hereby do proclaim Friday, April 30, 2010, as

“DAVID SCHILLHAMMER DAY” in the City of Orlando, in celebration of this community leader.