Project Grant

A. Performance quality outcomes: (1) surveys of audience, Board, Advisory Board and musicians explicitly recognize high quality of music performance and the film screening at 85% approval (2) attendance increases of 50% over May 8-year average (measured by ticket sales) (3) new community financial donations increase by 10% following concert; (4) 25% pay increases for quality music leaders' 3rd-year continuing service and (5) successful recruitment of a new conductor if the current conductor accepts an out-of-state position. B. Organizational effectiveness related to concert performance: (1) on-line activities will increase, diversify, and interconnect, with 15% increase in Facebook Likes and 10% increase in website hits (2) 15% increase in venues and opportunities for Buffalo Community Orchestra music ensembles to promote Buffalo Community Orchestra and season concerts; and (3) 4 new speaking appearances by Buffalo Community Orchestra leaders to explain arts achievements in Wright County public life.A. Performance quality measurement methods: (1) Survey data from the audience (May 10), Board (June 8), Advisory Board (July), and musician questionnaires (May 18) will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted for evaluating concert quality with an expected minimum average score (satisfactory-plus or 85% approval), to be used as a guide to program planning for the 2014-15 season; (2) attendance (measured by ticket sale revenues) will reach a 50% increase over the past 8 years' average for May concerts; (3) new community financial donations following the concert: a 10% increase in added donations since the December concert would be a successful outcome. (4) return of four paid music leaders, with a 25% pay increase for 3rd year returning section leaders; (5) successful recruitment of a new conductor (if Erik Rohde leaves Central Minnesota). If the orchestra auditions conductor candidates, those who have attended this concert to explore its quality will be asked for their assessments B. Organizational effectiveness related to concert performance: (1) improved use of on-line sites for community outreach, by (a) continued employment of a part-time media consultant for website, Facebook, news articles, with increased use on behalf of Buffalo Community Orchestra by members on their Facebook pages; (b) expanded visuals (25% increase in visual elements) and 15% increase in information pages uploaded into Buffalo Community Orchestra Facebook and website; (c) 15% increased 'likes' on Buffalo Community Orchestra's Facebook, 10% increased hits on Buffalo Community Orchestra website; (2) 15% increase in requests for Buffalo Community Orchestra ensembles (brass, winds, and string Trillium) to perform at open-air events and civic gatherings; (3) 4 new invitations for speaking appearances by Buffalo Community Orchestra leaders to emphasize the importance of arts in civic life.