Junior Symphony Ball Shatters Records with
“Party With a Purpose” at Gilley’s Dallas

$580,500 raised for Music Education and Outreach Programs

The Junior Symphony Ball (JSB) Party With a Purpose shattered records raising $580,500 which will benefit the music education programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. It proved once again why it’s one of the most anticipated events for high school students across the metroplex.

On February 1, Gilley’s Dallas was transformed into an electrifying hub of music, dancing, and entertainment as over 2,850 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from over 25 schools came together for a sold-out celebration—marking the largest turnout in JSB history. The Steering Committee was comprised of more than 1000 students.

The lineup of the 2025 Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Tanner Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Gracelyn Nix, Highland Park High School; Jack Steed, Highland Park High School; Clara Tolleson, Episcopal School of Dallas; Johnny Willingham, Episcopal School of Dallas; Emerson Mayes, Bishop Lynch High School; Teddy Fleiss, St. Mark's School of Texas; Avery Black, Ursuline Academy; Zack Shapiro, Parish Episcopal School; and Kate Davidson, The Hockaday School. 

Their supportive and proud moms are: Holly Krug, Jonika Nix, Maygan Steed, Rebecca Black, Jojo Fleiss, Tricia Davidson, Amie Mayes, Kacy Tolleson, April Willingham, and Jori Shapiro.  

Now in its 67th year, JSB is the longest-running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting vital DSO outreach programs such as Young Strings and Young Musicians.

True to its founding vision of “student-led, parent-guided” leadership, the event has grown from a small gathering of schools to an expansive, metro-wide celebration—while remaining committed to its core mission of supporting music education.

JSB 2025 was more than just a party—it was a record-breaking night of purpose, passion, and philanthropy.

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Photo by Jonika Nix

Key to photo:

From left to right: J. Denton Bricker (DSO Director of Events & Volunteer Services), Kate Davidson, Tanner Krug, Gracelyn Nix, Michelle Miller Burns (DSO Ross Perot President and CEO), Emerson Mayes, Jack Steed.