WHEELING — As the curtain rises and the tap, tap of the maestro’s baton signals the start of another Wheeling Symphony Orchestra performance, a collective sigh goes unheard among those who helped make it all happen.

Behind every symphony event is an army of volunteers — young and young at heart — who work to bring patrons into the seats, who raise funds for the orchestra’s needs and who promotes the love of music in a grand way.

The 195 volunteers who make up the Wheeling Symphony Auxiliary are tasked with the above-mentioned roles that keep the symphony programs humming. The auxiliary continues the claim of being the largest volunteer group in the valley, according to Auxiliary President Beth Ann Dague and volunteer Judi Hendrickson.

The Auxiliary first met in March of 1946 with a handful of members. As the popularity of the orchestra and music lovers’ appreciation for the fine arts has grown, the auxiliary has maintained its loyalty to the needs of the symphony orchestra, its maestro and staff.

According to Hendrickson, “The purposes of the symphony Auxiliary are to support the Wheeling Symphony Society Inc., to establish and encourage volunteers, to engage in fundraising that will benefit the Wheeling Symphony Society, and to further the interest in music appreciation and participation in musically oriented activities.

“The fundraisers that allow us to give financial support to the Wheeling Symphony Society are Farm to Fork, the pre-concert Veranda Cocktail Party prior to the free Music Under the Stars Concert in Oglebay Park, and the Purse Auction.”

She noted that in addition to the auxiliary’s financial support, the Auxiliary oversees the student volunteer program that provides many hours of service to the Wheeling Symphony Society and the Auxiliary.

The Auxiliary provides support for the “Symphony on Ice,” The Patron Party, Winter Viennese Ball, Symphony Board Auction, and the Fourth of July concert at Wheeling Heritage Port. Volunteers distribute programs at the concerts and create “treat” bags for the guest artists. The Young People’s Concerts and the Eighth Note Family and Children’s Concerts are hosted by Auxiliary members. The purpose of these concerts is to provide children with musical exposure at a young age.

Dague said while the Auxiliary roster remains strong, more volunteers are needed each year. “Some people give a few hours a year while there are others who volunteer year-round,” she said.

Bryan Braunlich, general manager of the Wheeling Symphony, said the Auxiliary is key to maintaining the orchestra and its various programs.

“Without the help and support of the Wheeling Symphony Auxiliary, we couldn’t do what we do at the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. This dedicated group of women and men are among our biggest advocates in the community, continually promoting, fundraising, and creating awareness for the symphony and its programs. We sincerely thank them for their generosity and dedication to our organization,” Braunlich said.

The Auxiliary offers an excellent opportunity for students to engage in volunteerism. To date, students have provided more than 1,025 volunteer hours to the symphony Auxiilary.

Hendrickson said the Viennese Ball also allows local students to take part in this tradition held each year at Oglebay’s Glessner Auditorium. She said the adult volunteers set a wonderful example to the young people regarding volunteering in their community.

“We have some really, really dedicated people who love the symphony. They are the rocks. They are not in it for any personal gains. It’s for the love of the music,” Hendrickson said.

Dague said over the years, Auxiliary members have formed friendships that go beyond symphony work. “Some volunteer for the socialization, too,” Dague said. “We are always open to new members.”

The next Auxiliary meeting will take place May 14 at Sarah’s on Main in Wheeling. Kathleen McDermott will be installed as the new Auxiliary president at that time.

To learn more about the Auxiliary, call the Wheeling Symphony office at 304-232-6191; or visit online at wheelingsymphony.com.