Community Arts Support Grant

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$6,593
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient
Minnesota Center Chorale
Recipient Type
Non-Profit Business/Entity
Status
Completed
Start Date
July 2012
End Date
June 2013
Activity Type
Grants/Contracts
Counties Affected
Stearns
Stearns
Project Overview
Minnesota Center Chorale is a regional community chorus which began its 40th season in the fall of 2012. Minnesota Center Chorale draws members throughout central Minnesota.
Competitive Grant Making Body
Board Members and Qualifications
Chris Rasmussen: art teacher for 35 years at Foley Senior High (retired), Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Board Member and College of Saint Benedict's/Saint John's University Fine Arts Programming Advisory Council Member; Mike Carlson: Foley High School Art Teacher, potter; Peter Veljkovich: realtor (retired), member of the Little Fine Arts Committee, county representative for the South Suburban Arts Committee, photographer, Disc Jockey; Leslie Hanlon: Director of Fundraising and Marketing for the College of Saint Benedict's/Saint John's University Fine Arts Series; John Stander: Executive Director of Elk River Arts Alliance, career school administrator; Janice Courtney: arts advisor/Assistant Director of Saint Cloud State University Program Board; P.J. Fanberg: Executive Director of Land Of Lakes Choirboys of Minnesota, management, fundraising, Human Resources, mission-guided organizational planner.
Advisory Group Members and Qualifications
Chris Rasmussen: art teacher for 35 years at Foley Senior High (retired), Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Board Member and College of Saint Benedict's/Saint John's University Fine Arts Programming Advisory Council Member; Mike Carlson: Foley High School Art Teacher, potter; Peter Veljkovich: realtor (retired), member of the Little Fine Arts Committee, county representative for the South Suburban Arts Committee, photographer, Disc Jockey; Leslie Hanlon: Director of Fundraising and Marketing for the College of Saint Benedict's/Saint John's University Fine Arts Series; John Stander: Executive Director of Elk River Arts Alliance, career school administrator; Janice Courtney: arts advisor/Assistant Director of Saint Cloud State University Program Board; P.J. Fanberg: Executive Director of Land Of Lakes Choirboys of Minnesota, management, fundraising, Human Resources, mission-guided organizational planner.
Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2011, First Special Session, chapter 6, article 4, section 2, subdivision 3
Appropriation Language

ACHF Arts Access

2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$6,593
Other Funds Leveraged
$37,358
Direct expenses
$43,951
Administration costs
$0
Number of full time equivalents funded
0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

1. Minnesota Center Chorale maintains the majority of its choir members while increasing membership by 5-10 members. 2. Singer and audience member experiences are enhanced through collaborative projects and concerts with local instrumentalists, choirs and composers. 3. Student attendance for the 2012-2013 increases 10% from the 2011-2012 season. 4. Minnesota Center Chorale continues to seek out local youth organizations to perform with in a collaborative setting.Minnesota Center Chorale will keep track of current membership and the number of new singers who join the choir after auditioning Minnesota Center Chorale will evaluate whether venues performed at accommodated seated risers or allowed for a suitable alternative. A singer survey will be conducted in the spring of 2013 to assist in determining what music attracts singers to membership in Minnesota Center Chorale. The survey will also inquire about satisfaction of repertoire, rehearsal experience, educational opportunities, collaborative performances, and venue accessibility. GUEST ARTISTS - A post-season assessment of all types of collaborations is conducted, whether the collaboration is with guest artists, children’s choirs, or instrumentalist groups. Minnesota Center Chorale evaluates programming to determine which works performed were commissioned from local composers as well as to determine the number of hired instrumentalists. PATRONS - To ensure youth attendance for the 2012-2013 increases 10% from the 2011-2012 season Minnesota Center Chorale will keep track of ticket sales for students for individual concerts and seasons so they are easily comparable to each other. By examining surveys from the past year, Minnesota Center Chorale will determine what styles of music patrons are most interested in hearing. Minnesota Center Chorale's artistic director and its performers obtain much feedback through visiting with patrons following concerts. Minnesota Center Chorale will continue to provide receptions at every concert to allow for these verbal exchanges and to make connections with audience members. Paper surveys and online surveys will also be utilized to determine patron response.

Measurable Outcome(s)

1. Minnesota Center Chorale held a formal evaluation of its mission, goals, and community needs in the spring of 2013. Minnesota Center Chorale’s full Board, Artistic Director, Operations Coordinator, and Grant Coordinator attended the meeting. After small and large group discussion, it was decided the organization’s mission, goals, and community needs should remain as written. 2. Minnesota Center Chorale provided education opportunities where singers can learn about the works performed, and vocal techniques applicable to each musical work. Minnesota Center Chorale’s Artistic Director provided education to Minnesota Center Chorale singers at weekly rehearsals. 3. Minnesota Center Chorale selected venues which could accommodate seated risers. All venues needed to be accessible to all Minnesota Center Chorale members who find standing for long periods of time difficult. This way, members could participate in programming even with physical hindrances. 4. Minnesota Center Chorale communicated more fully about collaborative performances. Minnesota Center Chorale’s Artistic Director ensured Minnesota Center Chorale singers had information regarding the background and experience of collaborative artists. With this knowledge, collaborative experiences are more cohesive and better presented to audiences. 5. Minnesota Center Chorale performed with a local youth instrumental ensemble to perform in collaboration at Cabaret 2013.

Description of Funds
Source of Additional Funds

Other, local or private

Recipient Board Members
Laura Capes, Charles Welter, Tom Ramsey, Lila Heins, Beverly Fiereck, Keith Larson, Roger McHaney, Don Neu, Travis Scepanick, Laura Kangas
Project Manager
First Name
Amber
Last Name
Chmielewski
Organization Name
Minnesota Center Chorale
Street Address
PO Box 471
City
St Cloud
State
MN
Zip Code
56302-0471
Phone
(320) 252-0051
Email
aechmielewski@gmail.com
Administered By
Administered by
Location

Griggs Midway Building, Suite 304,
540 Fairview Avenue North,
St. Paul, MN 55104

Phone
(651) 539-2650 or toll-free (800) 866-2787
Email the Agency
Location

P.O. Box 458
220 4th Ave North 
Foley, MN 56329

Phone
Project Manager: Leslie LeCuyer
320-968-4290x 3