Your Network, Voice and Forum for Classical Music in the West

Things You Should Know

GOOD NEWS

In response to concerns raised by orchestras in partnership with the broader nonprofit community, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published an announcement on January 8 that it will withdraw proposed new gift substantiation rules. Read more.

TAX TIME

Californians believe in arts education, and research shows most are willing to give a little extra on their taxes if they know the funds are spent on the arts for children and teens. Almost a third of schools in California have no music, dance, theatre, media arts or visual arts available whatsoever. The California Arts Council is working to increase arts education statewide by supporting teaching artists in the classroom, incorporating arts into "Common Core" teacher instruction, and turning around low performing schools through the arts. Learn more.

NEA "THE ARTS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD" REPORT

In their first years, children experience rapid and important emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. What role do the arts play in early childhood development? A new report from the National Endowment for the Arts looks at research on how the arts affect young children from birth to age eight. The news is good, but several research questions remain, according to this literature review. Read more.

Up and Down the Scale

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra promoted Karin Burns to director of finance and administration. Previously, Burns served as finance director at the orchestra.

Lacey Huszcza, ACSO Board member, was named senior director of advancement and strategic engagement for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Huszcza most recently served as interim managing director during the executive director search at the orchestra.

Monica Miklas was appointed annual giving and special events manager for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. A graduate of Stanford University, Miklas worked on the production side of the arts before earning an MBA and working on special events at the Autry Museum.

Ruben B. Pimentel, Jr. is the new marketing director at the Oakland Symphony. Pimentel is a 16-year marketing and promotions professional with a background in media broadcasting. His professional appointments have included Cumulus Media (formerly Citadel Broadcasting), iHeart Media, Pamal Broadcasting and Zimmer Radio Group, among others.

Sara Singer was appointed director of advancement and leadership giving at the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Singer has rejoined the orchestra in her newly created post after working for the UCLA Anderson School of Business development department.

Music Notes

The Folsom Symphony in Northern California has changed its name to the Folsom Lake Symphony.

"The San Diego Symphony won unanimous approval on January 12 to move forward with a $25 million, 10,000-seat waterfront concert venue on San Diego Bay. The San Diego Unified Port District Board authorized negotiations to work out a 66-year lease for the 3.6 acres the symphony currently occupies each summer on Embarcadero Marina Park South for its outdoor pops concerts." Read more.

Meet Our New Board Members

Bettina Swigger is the executive director of Festival Mozaic. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bettina comes to Festival Mozaic from Colorado Springs, where she served as executive director of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, an arts advocacy organization. Prior to that, she was the manager of the Colorado College Summer Arts Festival, which includes a Summer Music Festival, Dance Intensive, Vocal Arts Symposium and film series. She holds a bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from Colorado College. She serves on the boards of Arts Obispo, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council and on the board for Leadership SLO. She is a co-host of the weekly public radio program, KCBX In Concert. Bettina was named one of the Top 20 Under 40 by the San Luis Obispo Tribune in 2012.

John Christopher Wineglass, an Emmy Award winning composer from Marina, Monterey County, has performed on five continents, before every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan and with several Oscar and Grammy-Award winning artists. John received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition with a minor in Viola Performance at The American University and later received his master's degree in Music Composition.

Welcome Back

Paul Jan Zdunek, former president and CEO of the Pasadena Symphony and POPS has rejoined the ACSO Board. Recently he was appointed senior consultant, business transformation at KGI Advisors. Paul's experience includes crisis management, organizational development, branding, international businesses, sales and marketing, as well as strategic and financial management.

Links at Your Fingertips

ACSO Annual Conference Marriott Hotel Registration is Open

Read Fall ACSONews

It's a New Year! Have You Renewed Your Membership?

Building a thriving community takes passion,

energy and commitment.

ACSO is a focused and dynamic cohort of emerging leaders, trustees, arts professionals, musicians, conductors, artist managers, donors, and patrons. We work to support you.

Membership in ACSO Delivers:

Networking and Inspiration: channels to communicate and collaborate with peers, professionals and experts.
Professional Development and Education: regional annual conference, convenings, consultants for your organization, and mentoring for you and your staff focusing on the shifts, trends, and movement in culture and community.
Advocacy and Resources: a voice to your concerns and issues, and the resources to solve them.

Click the button to renew your organization or individual membership or join today!

ACSO Out and About

ACSO Board members at work:

Paul Zdunek and Sean Sutton

At the Pasadena Symphony concert, January 9, 2016

Conductor Nic McGegan, CEO Lora Unger and guests

At the Pasadena Symphony concert:

Kris Sinclair, Susan & Philip Nix, Paul Zdunek

Thank you to our partners: