Executive Summary
Musicians Philharmonic is a community-based orchestra and ensembles education program that serves the community by bringing together musicians of all skill levels and ages and fosters multi-cultural enrichment through accessible high-quality music education and inspiring performances. By engaging diverse audiences and offering development opportunities that cover music from different genres, cultures, and countries, the orchestra and ensembles create an inclusive and supportive environment for musicians, families, and patrons.
Goals
Musical Excellence: Provide opportunities to perform that demonstrate a high level of talent and professionalism, teaching social values while developing the brain, emotions, and body kinesthetic intelligence for young to senior musicians.
Community Engagement: Make music accessible to all community residents, regardless of age, race, socioeconomic background, or health circumstances.
Education and Development: Offer educational programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to all those who love music and desire a meaningful and rewarding life-long passion.
Cultural Enrichment: Promote cultural diversity by providing a broad range of experienced teachers and peers from around the globe, a variety of ensembles, and eclectic experiences through diverse musical genres to include classical, jazz, contemporary, folk, pop, and world music (including culturally specific commissioned works).
Sustainability: Develop a habit of maintenance and repair to extend the life of instruments and promote an environmentally friendly culture. Harmonize the organization's long-term financial health through a combination of donations, grants, ticket sales, and community partnerships.
Mission Statement
Our organization strives to provide a platform for musicians of all ages and backgrounds to congregate and share artistic visions and the joy of music. Our mission is to cultivate a love for live music in all corners of the community, reaching even the most marginalized and underprivileged members of the community, while enriching the cultural and educational experiences of individuals interested in pursuing a professional life in music and the performing arts.
Specifications
Structure and Operations
Membership: Open to musicians of varying skill levels, with opportunities for both experienced performers and newcomers. Membership could be by audition or open to all who wish to participate.
Conducting and Artistic Leadership: The orchestra will be led by a professional conductor (or artistic director) who will guide performances, programming, and the artistic vision of the orchestra.
Rehearsals: Weekly or bi-weekly rehearsals to ensure a consistent level of performance readiness.
Concerts: Public performances to be held at least 3-4 times a year, including a holiday concert, spring performance, and others as appropriate.
Funding and Budget
To ensure the sustainability of the orchestra, the following funding streams are to be explored:
Grant Funding: Seek out government, foundation, and arts organization grants that support local art initiatives.
Ticket Sales: Sell tickets to concerts, with discounted or free options for students, seniors, and low-income families to ensure accessibility.
Donations and Sponsorships: Develop a donor program with various giving levels, corporate sponsorships, and individual contributions from the community.
Fundraising Events: Organize annual fundraising events, such as gala dinners, silent auctions, or donor-recognition concerts.
Merchandise Sales: Sell concert-related merchandise such as programs, T-shirts, and CDs of performances.
Marketing and Audience Engagement
Community Partnerships: Build partnerships with local businesses, schools, and civic organizations to increase awareness of the orchestra and its programming.
Digital Presence: Create a website and social media profiles to promote events, share news, and engage with the audience. Consider streaming or recording concerts for wider access.
Engagement Activities: Host pre-concert talks and interactive events to involve the community in the musical process and create a deeper connection with the performances.
Milestones
Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Establish the orchestra, recruit members, hire an artistic director, secure funding, and set up administrative structures.
Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Begin rehearsals, establish outreach programs with schools, and plan for the first public concert.
Phase 3 (Months 7-12): Hold the first concert, ramp up fundraising efforts, develop long-term sustainability plans, and expand community and educational outreach initiatives.
Ongoing: Host regular concerts, workshops, and outreach activities, evaluate funding strategies, and engage with the community for feedback and continued support.
Metrics for Evaluation
Audience Growth: Track attendance at concerts and digital platform engagement.
Membership Retention: Monitor the growth and retention of musicians within the orchestra.
Financial Health: Ensure financial sustainability by tracking income from tickets, donations, grants, and fundraising events.
Community Impact: Survey community members and participants to gauge the orchestra’s impact on the local culture and the lives of those involved.
Conclusion
The Musicians Philharmonic will be a valuable addition to our community, not only by offering a space for artistic expression and musical development, but also by fostering a greater sense of connection, creativity, and cultural awareness among local residents. With a strong commitment to inclusion and education, the orchestra will become an integral part of the community, enriching the lives of those it touches.