GRANTS: PROJECT PROFILEGrants program encourages new approaches to outreachWith more than 70 initial grant requests awarded, we're excited to see groups seizing on the chance to find new ways to serve new communities. A great example is a group of northern Wisconsin chapters that are forging an interesting partnership with the Wisconsin State Music Association. "We found out that there were 41 quartets singing barbershop harmony music in State Ensemble contests," the group states in its grant application. "Of these 41, 26 received first-rank scores and advanced to state competition in 2014."
First-rank quartets from the 2015 ensemble competition will be invited to an education event and compete for the "Schmitt Brothers Quartet traveling trophy," named for the 1951 champs, who hail from nearby Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
"The WSMA president is very enthusiastic about this project and the effect it will have on using barbershop harmony style music with the youth," they report. As a follow-up, all students and their music educators will receive an invitation to attend the LOL District Fall Convention YIH one-day workshop. The youth that attend the workshop perform at the end of the Saturday events.
More singers singing, with the enthusiastic support of professional leadership? WIN!
Have a great idea that needs funding? Consider applying during second application window, open through April 30, 2015. Full details: www.barbershop.org/grants.
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