A retired teacher, Aldena Maynard is all about hard work, passion and care for others.
These characteristics translate well to her volunteer job as a member of the Everett Symphony board of directors and the symphony’s volunteer coordinator, where she is one of the most dedicated, said Jody Matthews, the symphony’s executive director.
“Without Aldena, the symphony would not have the wonderful group of volunteers who make this organization run,” Matthews said.
Maynard, who will be 75 next week, is a roll-up-your-sleeves Oklahoma native with a work ethic that has directed her path since she was a teenager.
“My motto is if you are going to accept a job, then you do it to the best of your ability,” Maynard said.
When she wanted to play high school sports in Jay, Okla., Maynard bunked with a friend in town, where she also worked to save money for college.
“I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was a little kid,” Maynard recalled. “My parents said they had no money to help with school. But I told them not to worry, that I would manage.”
Because she had skipped a grade and was young, Maynard was admitted to Oklahoma’s Northeastern State College on a special probationary entrance. But she proved herself quickly, studied hard and paid for school working as the secretary to the dean of women.
At age 20, Maynard was a college graduate with a degree in business education.
A school superintendent from Grandview, Wash., overlooked Maynard’s youth and offered her a contract to teach in his high school.
Maynard lived in Yakima Valley for 13 years before accepting a job as the business education teacher at Snohomish High School.
In the last years of her tenure in Snohomish, Maynard served as administrator for all vocational programs offered by that school district. She retired in 1994.
It was her administrative background and her interest in the orchestra that first got the attention of the symphony board.
A music lover, Maynard had long attended Everett Symphony concerts and she jumped at the chance to accompany the orchestra on its tour of Austria in the mid-1990s. On the trip she helped with all sorts of little jobs and got to know the orchestra members.
“When we got back, I was taken out to lunch and asked to join the board of directors,” Maynard said.
Among those recruiting her was symphony conductor Paul-Elliott Cobbs, whom Maynard will admit she adores.
“We’re so fortunate to have Dr. Cobbs,” she said. “I believe in this organization. The level of talent we have in this community is wonderful.”
Maynard has served the symphony since 1995, except for a few years off following knee surgery to treat injuries she received 20 years ago in a car accident.
Despite the recurring pain, Maynard is uncomplaining and back in action overseeing a team of about 80 volunteers who perform a variety of tasks, including serving as concert ushers and playing host to fundraising events.
“There’s no way this organization could exist without volunteers,” Maynard said. “Everything we do requires their help.”
Known among symphony staff and volunteers as a baker, Maynard is famous for her lemon bars. She brings treats to all meetings and events as part of her way of thanking those who work for the symphony.
“You have to tell people they did a good job and encourage them,” Maynard said. “The best managers praise their people.”
Maynard said she constantly encourages other people to volunteer with the Everett Symphony organization.
“We have fun,” she said. “We help bring music to this community and we contribute by working hard.”
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