Art Project Grant

The goal of this project was to expand MSO’s concert season by adding a December concert in Virginia. Measurable short-term outcomes included (1) mastering the repertoire for a concert in a shortened rehearsal schedule; (2) positive comments on musician surveys; (3) drawing an audience of 150 or more; and (4) meeting budget. Longer-range outcomes for this project included a thriving arts scene on the Iron Range, greater interest in the study of music in our schools, growing audiences for orchestra concerts, and growing financial support for MSO. In the judgment of the Artistic Director, the repertoire was mastered, satisfying the first measurable outcome. Concert attendance was 180, meeting the third measurable outcome. The project was completed below budget, satisfying the fourth outcome. The second outcome has not yet been measured; MSO will conduct its survey of musicians at the end of the season, asking musicians whether rehearsal time was adequate, whether the level of difficulty of the music was appropriate, and whether they favor continuing to offer a December concert. These are some comments from board members: “I think we mastered most of the repertoire, defining “mastery” as the ability to play a piece consistently well, with confidence. In terms of musicality vs technical prowess, I was very pleased with our performance.” “I thought we had enough [rehearsal] time, but barely. Certain times of the year when it’s cold and flu season, and certain times of year or certain bad years when the weather is uncooperative it would have been a little dicey. We were fortunate this year.” “… it was nice to have repertoire that matched the level of our group.” The board will track orchestra size and composition, audience size, and financial support over time through DataArts to determine whether the measurable long-term outcomes are being met.