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Libretto
Quarterly Newsletter of the Spirit of Harmony Foundation
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Program Spotlight: Steve Sanders
 New Beginnings: Steven Sanders discusses NOLA's Livingston Academy By Sara Stromseth-Troy Steven Sanders is perhaps most familiar to The Spirit of Harmony Foundation followers from his teaching position at UIC College Prep, Chicago, where Todd Rundgren visited in 2014. In 2016, Steve begins a new adventure, inspired by love: "Although I love the school where I currently work, I made a decision to leave and begin a new venture in New Orleans. I got engaged in May 2016 to a beautiful girl who lives in Mexico. When she came to Chicago to visit me she immediately fell in love with the city. Although she fell in love with the city, she did not feel the same about the climate. So, in an effort to make all parties involved happy, we decided to relocate to New Orleans. Louisiana is in between my family in Chicago and her family in Mexico," Steven said. While planning this new venture, Steven met Evan Stoudt. "He told me that he was opening a school in NOLA called Livingston Academy, and was looking for someone to begin the program. It was almost as if we were destined to begin a program together," Steven said. Livingston Academy will serve high school age students from 14 to 18 years of age. The student demographic will serve 90% black, 2% white, 3% Hispanic, and 3% Vietnamese. Steven envisions utilizing his teaching strengths and creating a jazz ensemble at the academy: "I will continue to capitalize on my teaching strengths while infusing some new approaches and methods. I will continue to teach beginning level students how to play instrumental music and be efficient readers and communicators in this universal language. I envision having a strong jazz ensemble that focuses on continuing the strong tradition of the American art form. IŽd also like to explore brass bands and drum lines. This is something that I have not done in the past and am eager to begin exploring. Whatever shape the music program takes, you can rest assured that nothing but great music and musicians will come out of Livingston Collegiate," Steven said. As with any career, rewards and challenges present themselves. Steven offers his take on the field of music education: "The most rewarding part of being a music educator is seeing the students perform. When they finally get a chance to perform everything that they have been working on in front of a live audience, I always get goosebumps. There is nothing like a live performance and every student deserves a chance to be a part of that event," he said. "There are many challenges but among the worst is always lack of resources. The sky is the limit in my imagination, however, the reality does not always meet up with that. Having and maintaining a productive music program requires resources and funds. You must have instruments, equipment, instrument repairs, transportation, uniforms, etc. A challenge is always finding enough funding and resources to keep the program afloat." An additional struggle in music education, he says, is the process of learning music: "Another challenge is the journey of learning music. When you see the kids struggle with their instruments and the music/tasks that you give them, it breaks your heart. It can almost cause us to lose focus of the big goal. Learning to be a musician takes hard work and strenuous effort. To combat this challenge, I make sure to record the process frequently so that when I feel that the battle is uphill and the end is not in sight, I have something to bring me back to what the main goal and objective is: to build lifelong lovers of music and efficient musicians." Steven says inviting professional musicians into the classroom to interact with students is an aspect he has enjoyed at UIC and plans to continue in his new position at Livingston Academy. He recalls Todd Rundgren's visit to UIC College Prep in November 2014: "I can remember the day that Todd came to visit. I hyped it up for weeks and the kids were in eager expectation of his visit. Of course, many of the kids did not know who he was. We did a couple of units on his life and music so they could ask him questions and be informed. Many of them became fans of his music and still are to this day." "When professional musicians come and speak to young people it makes all of the difference in the world. I often joke and say that the students do not listen to me but will listen to a "real musician." I always make it my goal to have two or three visits of professional musicians and Livingston will be no exception to that tradition. Making connections with local musicians will be high on my list of things to do so that I can inspire the future generations. When students interact with professional musicians they come to see that music is not only a viable way to support oneself, but they also see that if they work hard they too can be on that level." As Livingston Academy becomes realized, Steven says they need musical instruments, and will be working closely with the Spirit of Harmony Foundation Ensemble program to help meet their needs. Steven invites SOHF supporters to keep Livingston Academy on their radar: "Please be on the lookout for the Livingston Collegiate Wolves! We are going to become a staple in the NOLA tradition of high school band programs." Steven Sanders graduated from Vandercook College of Music in 2009 and immediately started working at UIC College Prep. For the past seven years he has taught beginning band, intermediate band, symphonic band, and jazz ensemble. Each year he had a load of about 200 kids and 90% of them never played a musical instrument or even had a basic music class. By the time they reach their third year in the program, students are playing college level repertoire, competing in city, state, and national competitions, and have a fluent understanding of basic music theory.
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| Executive Director's Corner |
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| | Jean Lachowicz |
Before a band steps onstage or into the studio, a tremendous amount of work has already been done: the instruments are ready, the music is learned, and even the interaction with other players is arranged. Without the behind-the-scenes effort, the music would not be possible.
Philanthropic organizations are like that, and the Spirit of Harmony Foundation is no exception! As an advocate for the moral imperative of music education, most of what we do is in the background. We do not operate a bricks-and-mortar program, but we leverage our commitment and resources to support music programs across the country.
In many ways, SOHF considers building beneficial relationships to be a key component of our mission: with our donors, our partner organizations, our volunteers, our supporters, and all of the children learning how to play music and their teachers. We are orchestrating a Foundation with deep roots and lofty heights.
Whether behind-the-scenes or in full public view, everything we do brings us closer to a world in which all children have access to the very real benefits of music. We believe that music is an essential part of life, and all children must have access to a music education, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or ability. That's a world-changing mission!
When we report things like database programs, strategic planning, management, social media, auctions, fundraisers, etc. like they are a big deal, it's because those administrative elements build the foundation of the Foundation. "Nerdy" administrative things can be very exciting in the non-profit world! Our mission is always at the forefront of every step we take and every penny that passes through our accounts. Onward!
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Letter from the Chairman
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| | Ed Vigdor |
Since our inaugural edition of Libretto, it's been a busy 3 months. Much of our Foundation's work is done incrementally, little by little, day by day, so much so that it may appear that there is nothing going on. But there is a great deal happening and Libretto is our way to help keep you informed. Of course Jean and I are always available to answer questions.
Over the past three months, great strides have been made developing the Foundation's partnership with The University of Notre Dame and Todd's Artist in residency starting on September 22nd, with a great deal still to be done. (See the article included). Also we are very excited to report about "Ensemble" and the early success we have already achieved with this new initiative. (See article included). There was a great response to another online auction, even more so to Mark Woodin's "Hello It's Tea" coffee mug fundraiser. Thanks to Mark and all of our supporters. Without your continued support, this foundation would be unable to even help one child to learn the magic of music and acquire the skills that will serve them a lifetime.
On behalf of Todd and the entire board, thank you and hope you enjoy this second verse of Libretto!
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TR@ND: Play Like a Champion Today
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Exciting plans are being made for September/October when Todd visits the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana for more than a week of public and private events. An underlying theme of the visit is "Play Like a Champion Today," Notre Dame's iconic athletics slogan, and how its meaning can be expanded to include the essential nature of Music Education.
Many details are still in the planning stages, and many groups within the University community will be participating in various ways, but here are some highlights:
Football Game
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs the Duke Blue Devils, Saturday, 9/24. One of the highlights of the week will be Todd's attendance at the game, where he will be the subject of a First Time Fans documentary that will highlight Music Education and the Spirit of Harmony Foundation. Todd is looking forward to the full campus experience of pre-game Pep Rally and tailgating. Also, we are planning an on-campus collection of used musical instruments by Hungry for Music, SOHF's new partner.
Interdisciplinary Class
In addition to visits with various music and arts classrooms within the University during the course of the week, Todd will be teaching Exploring the Creative Muse: Art, Business, Technology, and Rock n' Roll, an elective course offered by the Department of Film, Television, and Theatre for Notre Dame students (Todd is still in the process of designing the class so content may change). Two of the class sessions are designed to be open to the public:
- Monday, 9/26, 9:00-10:30 pm, "The Science Behind Creativity: Why Music and Athletics Should Co-Exist in a Child's Education" a roundtable discussion with Todd Rundgren, Clark Power (Psychology), and others
- Friday, 9/30, 9:00-10:30 p.m., "Todd Rundgren: Giving You the Business of Rock 'n Roll" From vinyl to digital, from The Nazz to Runddans, a conversation and Q&A about the business of music
Workshop for South Bend Area Elementary School Teachers
Wednesday, 9/28, 4-7 p.m. Engage Now + Kennedy Center Partners in Education Workshop, integrating music into curriculum. Jean and Ed to present with Sheela Das, Creative Concepts in Music.
South Bend Center for the Homeless
In cooperation with the University of Notre Dame and the Center for the Homeless, the Spirit of Harmony Foundation will be establishing a brand-new ongoing music program for the children of the families who are guests at the Center. A service project is being planned at the Center the afternoon of Saturday, October 1.
Concert with ND Students
At the end of the residency, Todd will perform with students for a one-of-a-kind concert at the DeBartolo Center for Performing Arts on Saturday, October 1. Tickets will be available later this summer at performingarts.nd.edu.
For more information about this memorable week, please watch our website and Facebook posts. Also we will send out an eblast with details as the dates draw nearer.
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Our NEW Ensemble Database Program!
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 Over the past months, the SOHF Board of Directors has been developing a unique program that has its roots in Todd's announcement of the Foundation back in January 2014. In that introduction, he described his vision for us to be "mortar," "filling in the cracks" to support music education programs in meaningful ways, beyond simply writing checks.
This vision was further defined during a board meeting held in Little Rock last year. The concept of a "database" was introduced to pair the specific needs of music programs with appropriate resources, and that developed into a key component of our Strategic Plan which was ratified unanimously by the board earlier this year.
The result is "Ensemble," a database built within the Sales Force user platform. Bill Chapman has been working hard to tailor the generic framework to meet our unique needs and we continue to develop it and further define our workflow and beta test.
At its core, Ensemble can be seen as a kind of concierge or broker service. When a music program comes to us, we vet the program and ensure that it aligns with our Mission and Purposes. Once the program is accepted into our Ensemble, it is considered an "In Concert" program and is invited to come to us with specific needs (instruments, concert attire, professional services, etc.). We do our very best to fill the requests through our network of individuals, organizations, and businesses that have the means and desire to support music programs.
The key to our Ensemble is that we develop long-lasting relationships with music programs as we leverage resources they need. Ensemble is designed to promote music education programs in substantial and meaningful ways.
We will track the measurable outcomes of our donations through Ensemble, and report on our contributions to programs around the country as Ensemble fully materializes, including demographic information on the children we serve and the value of the resources we are delivering to them.
Our greatest need at the moment is to mobilize our network of supporters to help build our Resource Donations. This will be our "Backline" as manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and individuals provide resources to SOHF either pro bono or at a discounted price, or make monetary contributions to meet the needs of our music programs.
Are you connected to an organization or business that would be able to join our Ensemble Resource Donations to help meet the needs of deserving music programs? Please feel free to contact us and/or fill out our form to take the first step. http://spiritofharmony.org/resource-donations/ Please remember that the Spirit of Harmony Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, so all donations, in kind or cash, are fully tax deductible.
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Hello It's Tea
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"Hello It's Tea" ...I thought about this mug for a long, long time ...and it's here!
The "Hello It's Tea" project, an individual fundraising initiative, was launched Saturday, May 7, and thanks to fan-based support, proved to be an immediate "H.I.T.", with the initial run of mugs selling-out within 48 hours!
The appeal of the project has proven to be truly "Global", with mugs being shipped to the U.S., Canada and the U.K., raising (so far) over $1,000.00 for the SOHF's support of music education programs! The "Hello It's Tea" project is an example of individual fan-based fundraising initiatives, and if you have an idea for a project you would like to propose to benefit the SOHF and its programs, I'd love to hear from you! Contact me directly at fab4msw@sbcglobal.net, and I'll help guide you towards making your project concept as successful as possible! - Mark Woodin
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Great New Way to Support SOHF
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 Winner, winner, chicken dinner! https://chickendinner.com/ is a "fantasy" sports gaming website. Rex Rundgren has arranged for the Spirit of Harmony Foundation to get $1 for every person who signs up using the promo code: chicken. Signing up is completely free and playing is completely free, and you won't get any spam or unwanted junkmail. A person can sign up under multiple email addresses, if desired, to increase the donation to SOHF. Playing is optional, and no money or bank information ever changes hands (unless you play and win-then you get checks with your winnings). Nothing to lose and everything to gain-this is a legitimate, no-risk opportunity! We hope you'll help us and spread the word.
To sign up, go to https://chickendinner.com/ and click on "JOIN US" near the bottom of the screen. You may sign up with Facebook or your email address. The promo code is: chicken. You'll get a confirmation email to make sure you are a real person, and then it's completely up to you whether you ever log in or ever play the game.
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Most Successful Online Auction Ever!
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| | We are accepting donations for our next online auction. |
Our Spring Auction had 130 items and raised nearly $4500 to support our music education advocacy work. We offered stage-worn costumes, vintage tshirts, vinyl LPs, artwork, memorabilia, music related arts and crafts, and much more.
Many thanks to everyone who donated items and everyone who bid on items. We have online auctions twice per year, and we are always seeking new and gently used treasures to add to our next auction! If you have something you'd like to contribute, no matter how "valuable," please send us an email to let us know what you wish to donate and we'll work out the details.
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Wear Your Support for the Spirit of Harmony Foundation thanks to the LOVE MUSIC Collection
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We are excited to unveil our new LOVE MUSIC Collection of Spirit of Harmony Foundation items, based on the "doodle" Todd inscribed on the wall of a music program he was visiting. This collection has been designed by the fabulous Kathleen Forsythe. We also offer "Todd's Brain on Music" items and general logo items. Your purchases help spread the word about the Spirit of Harmony Foundation, and they support us financially as well. Sing and shout it, tell the world about it!
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Sara Stromseth Troy, Editor
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Libretto Newsletter
Libretto is the quarterly newsletter of the Spirit of Harmony Foundation.
We welcome feedback and suggestions regarding newsletter content, and look forward to continuing to spread the word about the Spirit of Harmony Foundation's mission and its ongoing projects and events. Please email the Foundation with your suggestions or comments about Libretto. | |
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The Spirit of Harmony Foundation supports the Moral Imperative of Music Education.
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