By Jennifer Eisenbart
Staff Writer
It’s been a little bit of something for everyone this summer for the non-profit arts support group Music Matters.
“We’re stable. We’re still giving away money,” said Karen Tolle, one of the driving forces behind the organization.
The list of donations has continued to grow, and the 501C non-profit organization has already given out its first four grants of 2013-14.
But perhaps even more important was this summer’s work at the community garden at Burlington United Methodist Church.
Through a collaborative effort with members of the Burlington High School A Capella Choir, the choir was able to earn a $1,500 “Kohl’s Associates in Action” grant.
In order to be eligible for the money, the choir needed to work with a 501C organization, work on something that benefited the community and also have a “green” aspect to the project.
As a result, Music Matters purchased four plots at the community garden at $25 a plot. Students planted a vegetable garden, with all the fruits of their labor going to the Love Inc. food pantry.
“We’ve been sending harvests weekly for a week and a half,” said Tolle. “By partnering with Music Matters, the A Capella students were able to earn this grant.”
It wasn’t the only positive partnership for the group this summer. Working with a business operations class at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, the group got a revised and streamlined grant process.
“I love it,” Tolle said. “It was a $2,300 gift, because that’s what the consultation fees would have been.
“It was a win-win situation.”
Tolle said the organization is still working with educating the public about what they do. The support has only continued to grow since the group incorporated as a 501C in November 2009, but as Tolle said, “we’re not just about buying instruments.”
A list of funds granted accompanies this article. In addition to purchasing music and music programs, the group has also funded an artist in residence, and has now funded private organization requests as well.
Another grant window for music programs will open in late September. Interested parties should contact Tolle via e-mail at [email protected].
When the window opens, a link will be sent for the grant application process.
Grants awarded by Music Matters
2012-13
• $1,340 – Purchase of a euphonium for introduction at Dyer School
• $1,250 – Purchase of 1/4-size bass for introduction at Dyer School
• $2,200 – Toward purchase of music rights and general support for spring musical at Burlington High School, “Les Miserables”
• $3,950 – Purchase of a baritone sax for use at Burlington High School
• $1,000 – Money toward purchase of music for the B*Jazzled Show Choir season
• $1,500 – Money toward the 2013 Artist in Residence at Cooper School, funded jointly by Music Matters, Lavelle Industries and The Coffee House at Chestnut and Pine.
2013-14
• $6,000 – “Drumming Up Character” program for students in kindergarten through sixth grades at Waller, Cooper, Dyer, Winkler and Lyons schools, with materials being kept in music classrooms
• $1,750 – Purchase of 37-note (three octave) choir chime set for grades 2-12 of the Plymouth Church Children’s Bell Choir, available for sharing with other programs
• $780 – “Opera for the Young” program for third-grade students at Waller School
• $320 – Money toward the purchase of SmartMusic education license for teacher and 10 student subscriptions in grades 9-12 at Catholic Central High School.
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