Launched in November 2020, West Michigan Symphony’s $5 million “Play Your Part” Campaign has two primary objectives. The first is to bring the Endowment to a level that will generate a significant percentage of the annual budget—between 15 and 18%—thereby providing a more stable revenue model for the future. The second is to establish “Tune Up,” a new string orchestra program for underserved students who currently lack access to such instruction. For more information on this initiative, please see sidebar. WMS’s “Play Your Part” Endowment is held at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC) and the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF). The corpus of each fund is owned, managed and directed by these foundations, whose trustees determine the timing and amount of distributions—normally 4% annually. Foundation staff handles all administrative details and investment responsibilities, freeing WMS leadership and staff to focus on mission delivery. We thank all those who have given generously to the campaign to date, and invite you to consider “playing a part” in WMS’s future. Whether through an outright gift or a designation in your will and trusts, your support will ensure continuity and future growth of WMS’s artistic and education footprint. To learn more, please contact Andy Buelow at 231.726.3231 or abuelow@westmichigansymphony.org.
Honorary Chairs
Larry & Lari Hines Robert & Wendy Kersman Fred & Joanna Norris Mike & Kay Olthoff Peter Turner & Jean Enright
Cabinet Members Sherry Becker Susan Bissell Jon & Jane Blyth Pete & Sherry Brown Ryan Bryker Susan Cloutier Crain Anne Dake Kevin Even Bill Eyke
Operation Chairs Jan Deur Kay Olthoff
Jim & Susan Geisler Dave Gerdes Kimberly L Hammond Paul & Karen Jackson Roger Morgenstern Steve & Deb Olsen Susan Rehrer Tom Schaub & Mary Price Dr Alan Steinman
PLAY YOUR PART CAMPAIGN as of 12/31/21 PLEDGES RECEIVED Endowment 2,857,668 1,120,985 Operating 263,945 104,407 Tune Up 619,033 342,076 Total 3,740,646 1,567,468
FILLING A GAP IN MUSKEGON’S MUSIC EDUCATION WMS’s Tune Up after-school orchestra program, launching in the fall of 2022, will provide intensive string instrument instruction to children with the fewest resources and greatest need in Muskegon. Tune Up is based on El Sistema, a visionary global orchestra movement that provides instrumental music education to underserved youth, developing the life skills and habits that lead to successful lives. Students will receive free use of a musical instrument, learn to play that instrument, participate in ensemble and sectional lessons, build friendships, and receive music and academic support from teaching artists and qualified staff. The program will take place in partnership with Muskegon Public Schools as part of its 21st CCLC Impact Program, which provides after-school academic enrichment opportunities. This will leverage Impact’s already established safe, supportive environment—including tutoring, snacks and fellowship—while adding a needed musical element. The pilot year of the program will impact 3rd and 4th grade students in two of Muskegon’s Elementary schools, with planned expansion in subsequent years to include all MPS elementary schools and Muskegon Middle School.
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