Gathering information for potential community Youth Orchestra

omaha st near mt rushmore, Rapid City SD

Description

Hello fellow artists, I am a small business owner that teaches home-based music lessons here in town, and I feel that Rapid City and the surrounding area could benefit from a community youth orchestra! There will be no minimum age requirement, but all students (up to age 18) will need to pass an age appropriate audition. I am hoping the first set of auditions will be able to take place this coming May or early June, as the COVID-19 situation continues to play out. A website is currently in the making to allow interested students, parents and donors/sponsors to view audition repertoire, scales and student questionnaires. In a perfect world, this would be free for all participants; meaning, this entity will be based on the ability of the students, not the ability to pay for a spot in the orchestra. This will open up opportunities for our up-and-coming musicians who may be home schooled, unable to participate in school programs, or even those who are actively participating in other groups to come together for the full orchestra experience. Many parents and guardians are already paying for instrument rental and maintenance, private lessons and materials/equipment to allow their kiddos to practice from home. The last thing they need is another 'membership fee', for lack of better words, during these stressful times. I am looking for leads on who may be willing to get involved as a donor or sponsor. I do have information available for those who are interested. Please feel free to call/text/email me at any time with questions. IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO START A PROGRAM LIKE THIS! ֎ The first major hurdle is finding a location willing to host this endeavor. - Churches and schools with available space are highly encouraged to inquire! I am hoping that in exchange for the use of the facility, the location would be willing to accept a 'top tier' sponsorship title. ֎ Second item on the agenda is having music stands and chairs available to the students. - These items could be donated by community members or organizations, or a source of funding will need to be secured in order to make sure equipment is available for rehearsals and performances. ֎ Lastly (for the time being), is to put together funding for materials, sheet music and folders being the primary items. - Other items to have prepared/ on hand include: ● Pencils for notes & marking sheet music ● Rosin ● Peg Grease ● Fine Tuners ● Tuning Pegs ● Bridges ● Temporary chin rests - in case of standard chin rest malfunction ● Extra/ Spare Strings - for those unanticipated snaps during tuning/rehearsal ● Cello stops/ carpet squares (to keep pegs from sliding on slippery surfaces) ● Marketing - word of mouth is great, but we'll need help getting the word out so young musicians can find us!