Quick Start Grants
ACHF Arts Access ACHF Cultural Heritage
To give local music students a new performance opportunity, while creating a great audience experience and expanding the audience for orchestra concerts in northern Minnesota. Measurable short-term outcomes include (1) selection of two concerto soloists, one high-school age, one college age; (2) drawing audiences of 150 or more at each concert; (3) positive comments in audience surveys; and (4) meeting budget. Longer-range outcomes for this project include a thriving arts scene on the Iron Range, greater interest in the study of music in our schools, growing audiences for orchestra concerts, and growing financial support for the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra. The Mesabi Symphony Orchestra board tracks concert attendance on an ongoing basis. The financial results for this project will be collected by the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra board and evaluated at a board meeting. Mesabi Symphony Orchestra will insert an audience survey in programs and collect and review audience feedback. The selection of two soloists is a goal that has already been met. Soloists are Erica Anderson (high school) and Nicole Hill (college). The Mesabi Symphony Orchestra board will track audience size and financial support over time through the Cultural Data Project to determine whether the measurable long-term outcomes are being met.
Measurable short-term outcomes were (1) selection of two concerto soloists, one high-school age, one college age; (2) drawing audiences of 150 or more at each concert; (3) positive comments in audience surveys; and (4) meeting budget. The first outcome was met. Erica Anderson, a 10th grade student from Marshall School in Duluth, and Nicole Hill, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, are outstanding violinists who performed with a great deal of artistry and maturity. The second outcome was not met. Audience size was disappointing, with 96 in Ely and 153 in Virginia, possibly due to weather and the poor economy. Expenses were held under budget by about 5%. 63 audience surveys were returned. All comments were positive. These are a sample: Enriching experience and accomplished in every way. Enjoyed youth soloists! They just keep getting better! Enjoy the new conductor's dynamism. We are so grateful to be able to enjoy this level of talent in our community!
Other, local or private