As of December 5, 2017 the Charlottesville Municipal Band has raised a total of $592,844.72, fulfilling a matching grant challenge and in turn receiving a total of $1,092,844.72. On July 5, 2017 The Band publically announced an opportunity from an anonymous donor who would match any dollar raised by the group up to $500,000 by the end of 2017. The success of this five month campaign will be announced to the public at the Charlottesville Municipal Band’s 95th Season Holiday Concert this coming Sunday, December 10 at the Martin Luther King Performing Arts Center at Charlottesville High School. The concert will begin at 3:30 pm.
“Our donor’s remarkable generosity presented us with a major challenge, which was also an opportunity of a lifetime,” stated Scott Colley, president of the band’s board. “We were overwhelmed by the support shown by community members as well as those who play in the Band. Together, we not only reached but exceeded our goal. We really are the Soundtrack of the Community, given that the community came together to make certain we could continue playing.”
The sum of money will be used in part to supplement revenue lost when the City of Charlottesville ceased to provide funding for the 95 year old institution and to provide long term funding to insure the group’s survival to its centennial in 2022 and long beyond. Through an intensive five month campaign the Band looked to its membership and community members, receiving gifts from 929 individuals, foundations and corporations. The members within the Municipal Band contributed over 20% of the total sum raised.
The Band would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to all who donated to help reach the $1 million goal and those who have been avid supporters year after year. It is grateful for the unparalleled generosity from our anonymous donor. The Band would also like to thank the following members and friends who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this drive happen: Jerry Barber, Sandy DeKay, Mary Loose Deviney, Peter Easter, David Goodwin, Emily Goodwin, Chris Holden, Ann Horner, Rob Jiranek, Daniel Jordan, Eric Krebs, Fred Landes, Glenn Lankford , Steve Layman, John Maddux, Leo Mallek, Wick McNeely, Hayley Parrish, Caitlin Richards, Hunter Smith, Bill Stott, David Van Roijen, Paul Wood, and Harold Wright.
The Charlottesville Municipal Band is a nonprofit organization of 80 volunteers dedicated to excellence in the performance of free high quality band and ensemble music. Members are local residents of all ages and from all walks of life, who dedicate over 14,000 volunteer hours a year to their mission. In continuous operation since 1922, the Band serves the communities of Charlottesville, Albemarle and surrounding counties, providing musical entertainment and education through its concerts and performances at civic and special events. The Municipal Band is maintained by the dedication of its members and the support of the County of Albemarle government, local businesses, individuals and area foundations.
