Project Grant

1. 200 patrons will attend the project "A Century Apart". The St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra has identified the presentation of accessible, relevant, well-known, and varied repertoire and friendly, knowledgeable creation from the stage as being attractive and meaningful to local audiences. In addition to the musical and cultural accessibility rendered by expert curation, audiences will benefit from the accessibility of a high quality performance of symphonic music close to home, discounted ticket prices for seniors and students, and an ADA accessible venue. 2. Audiences will recognize and remember the contrasts of style, mood, and instrumentation between two pieces written 100 years apart. At the pre-concert discussion given by Ho Yin Kwok, patrons will learn how composers like Beethoven and Ravel created musical images and how the music was relevant and important to the age in which it was written, and to today. 3. 45 instrumentalists will learn, rehearse, and perform masterworks of the symphonic repertoire. 4. Audience and orchestra members will fill out questionnaires providing feedback about the work of AD candidate Ho Yin Kwok. This vital information will help the SCSO board choose a new AD. Audience members' relationship to the SCSO is deepened when their opinion is sought, especially when they can make a contribution to an important question.; Access ; Community 1. Audience will be counted. Counting audience participation in the pre-concert discussion, the concert itself, and the post-concert reception will provide an instant measure of interest and support for SCSO activities. ?2. Surveys will be completed by stakeholders and analyzed by board and staff. Patrons will be encouraged to complete and return the survey found in the season program (attached). Survey responses will be recorded, compiled, and analyzed by board and staff. Information gathered will be used to choose a new Artistic Director, to program future seasons, and to improve patron service and hospitality. 3. Audience response will be observed and recorded. The enjoyment of patrons will be measured by the enthusiasm of their response (clapping, standing ovation, cheering). 4. Verbal, photo, and written feedback will be collected and analyzed. Verbal feedback is an important part of the post-concert reception. Many audience members and musicians provide feedback to staff immediately following the concert. Changes in attitude and understanding can be evaluated based on informal conversations. Post-its and markers will be available in lobby for patron feedback. 5. Concert will be recorded. The concert will be professionally recorded and then analyzed by the Conductor, Executive Director, and the board of directors.