Letter from the President - "Keep the Music Live"

Dear Beaufort Orchestra Supporter,

Since our orchestra's founding 24 years ago, we have never experienced financial challenges such as those we are now facing. Throughout our period of growth in both size and accomplishment, our supporters have always come through with the funds needed to "Keep the Music Live" in northern Beaufort County.

Today I am asking our loyal supporters to renew their subscriptions for the 2010 - 2011 Concert series, and extending an invitation to our newer attendees to become members of our subscription family. Also please consider making an additional donation as a member of our Conductor's Circle. Our ticket sales cover only 45 percent of our operating expenses. For the remaining 55 percent we rely upon the generosity of those community members who appreciate classical and popular music and want to help preserve one of Beaufort's most valuable cultural jewels.

Your donation will also help grow our Beaufort Youth Orchestra that is in its tenth year and has over 50 members. These talented elementary and high school students are eligible for financial help with the costs of music lessons, tuition for summer music camp, musical instruments and scholarships for coninuing music majors. It is with great pride that we have seen a student who joined BYO in elementary school, graduate college with a music degree and who herself will now teach. And she is but the first of what we hope will be many successes directly attributable to our music education program.

In our Conductor's Circle for 2010-2011, we have several levels of support from which to choose. With the online brochure is a Subscription Form for next season's concerts which explains the benefits of each level. Remember, your gift is tax deductible and may also qualify for a matching corporate grant from your employer. Also, please include your email address in the field provided. This will allow us to keep you informed of news and programs of interest to our subscribers.

By supporting the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra you support our orchestra members who, collectively, bring so much enjoyment to our community, and our student members, who will provide the pool from which will come many of our future musicians. Together, we can all "Keep the Music Live."

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Edward M. Like
President, Board of Directors