President's Letter -- 2008
ADVOCATES FOR CLASSICAL MUSIC is embarking on its 12th year. We have enjoyed 11 successful years of endeavoring to fulfill our mission of developing future audiences for classical music in San Diego. Our dedicated volunteer music docents donated an enormous amount of time reaching 14,000 students in 550 classrooms during 2006-07. This is up from 9,300 students in 2005-06. The demand for docent visits is so great that we are in need of more “recruits" and have recently welcomed at least 10 into our fold. We receive many letters of appreciation from principals, teachers, and students, and recognition from Classics for Kids and the San Diego Symphony about how beneficial the docent program is. Given the proposed state cuts in education of $4 billion for the coming fiscal year, organizations such as ours are more important than ever.
Summarizing our plans for this year, please read on.
q Our budget for docent expenses has increased in order to provide them with updated materials for use in the classroom.
q Funds for busing children to concerts to Classics for Kids and the San Diego Symphony is the single largest obstacle to their attendance. Therefore, we have renewed our commitment to ArtsBusXpress. This year we have been able to partner with San Diego City Schools and Classics for Kids by sponsoring the ENTIRE cost (not just entry tickets) of sending 10 new 2nd grade classes to each of Classics for Kids' three concerts! There is also money budgeted to subsidize tickets for other schools for both the San Diego Symphony and Classics for Kids concerts.
q We have again set aside funds for the San Diego Unified School District's Instrumental Honors Concerts. We hope you will attend! A calendar of events is available in our January newsletter.
q Our commitment to the San Diego Youth Symphony’s Concerto Competition has increased this year thanks to a generous donation from Grande Dame Marjorie Barnes.
q Children from Borrego Springs Elementary School are enjoying another season of Classics for Kids concerts thanks to a generous donation from dedicated AFCM member Catharina Graves.
q Total grants for the 2007-08 school year have been budgeted at $18,500.
q Web site: Board member and docent Ron Bierman continues to keep our web site updated. Check it out at www.advocatesforclassicalmusic.org
AFCM is making a difference in the lives of more and more children! Please consider our increased needs in selecting your level of membership and the range it provides. Our target this year is to increase dues income by 20%. And you might consider underwriting a specific item or project!
Sincerely yours,
William S. Beamish Mary Andreoli
President Membership Chair
