Project Grant

350 patrons will have attended the project "Life Cycles." The St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra has identified the presentation of accessible, relevant, and varied repertoire, and friendly, knowledgeable commentary from the stage as being attractive and meaningful to local audiences. In addition to the musical and cultural accessibility rendered by expert commentary, audiences will have benefited 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. Audiences will recognize and remember the sound and emotional effect of cyclic music and its relation to life cycles. Sixty instrumentalists and fifty choristers will have learned, rehearsed, and performed masterworks of the symphonic and choral repertoire. Audience members will have provided feedback using evaluations available in the lobby, program book, and on the SCSO website.; 350 Musicians and listeners will recognize and relate to the musical depiction of the cycles of life and death, and the effect of cyclic composition on the listener. Audience will be counted. Counting audience participation in the pre-concert discussion, and the concert itself will provide an instant measure of interest and support for SCSO activities. Evaluations will be completed by stakeholders and analyzed by board and staff. Patrons will be encouraged to complete and return the evaluation found on the website or in the lobby on concert night. Evaluation responses will be recorded, compiled, and analyzed by board. and staff. Information gathered will be used to program future seasons, and to improve patron service and hospitality. Audience response will be observed and recorded. The enjoyment of patrons will be measured by the enthusiasm of their response (clapping, standing ovation, cheering). Verbal, photo, and written feedback will be collected and analyzed. Many audience members and musicians provide feedback to staff after the concert. The SCSO will host a reception after the concert. Changes in attitude and understanding can be evaluated based on informal conversations with family and friends. Concert will be recorded. The concert will be professionally recorded and analyzed by the Conductor, Executive Director, and the board of directors.; Audience will be counted, hard copy surveys will be collected, audience reaction will be observed, verbal feedback will be gathered, and the concert will be recorded.