The Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers first met in St. Louis in 1937. The stated objective was a free interchange of ideas, methods and experiences growing out of symphony volunteer efforts.

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Those present at the initial gathering included members of the Executive Board of the Women's Association of the St. Louis Symphony Society plus twelve delegates from committees representing Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Rochester and Seattle. 

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Today, membership includes over 40 volunteer organizations associated with 19 major symphony orchestras across North America.

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The biennial conference has been a feature of AMSOV since 1937.