Orchestra Program Building
Allow me to state clearly, that fundraising can be quite challenging!
Please do not get discouraged, for the advice that follows will guide and help you to avoid anticipated obstacles. With perseverance and creativity, you will realize success.
Ideally, the majority of orchestra fundraising activities will be administered with kind assistance from your Orchestra Booster Society. If so, be very grateful!
In the “event” the majority of string orchestra fundraising is one of the hats you need to wear as the maestro; here are some pointers and fundraising ideas.
Fundraising companies exist which offer the standard methods of raising funds for organizations, ranging from selling wrapping paper, magazines, candles, cookies, books, DVD’s, you name it.
These companies may be a perfect fit for your program when first starting out. However, these programs are used by so many diverse organizations, your school orchestra fundraiser may get lost in the shuffle, as one of the same. Also, diligently avoid fundraising items that are considered perishable!
Define Fundraising Goals – Have an Instrument Drive!
All programs have students who need instruments. Sharing instruments may work from class to class, but the ability to take instruments home and practice is often not possible. Each year, funding goes through many approval stages and too often, school orchestras must find creative ways to acquire needed instruments. Building a fleet of student quality instruments is a necessary long term program endeavor.
Instrument drives have proven to bring not only violins, viola, cellos and basses to programs, but also have a tendency to trigger monetary donations in the process. Community newspapers often have a section where you can get a free listing. There are also ways to use internet resources, helping get the word out.
Correspondence sent directly to the editor of the newspaper, may also present the opportunity for a community interest story. Pictures of your class working together with the goal of finding instruments, also brings positive exposure to your orchestra program events.
Sample Instrument Drive Announcement
Do you have a violin, viola, cello or bass taking up precious storage space?
If so, our students would be thrilled to make music with them!
It’s “healthy” for the instrument and appreciated by the student.
Please contact: _______________ to donate your instrument. Thank you!
