Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
Legal Name (if Different): Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, Inc.
Also Known As: ASO
Mailing Address: 700 N Fairfax Street, Suite 501
City: Alexandria
State: VA
Postal Code: 22314
Main Phone: 703-548-0885
Main Fax: 703-548-0985
Organization Website: www.alexsym.org
Employer ID Number: 54-0805937
Organization Tax Status: 501C3 – tax exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/10/2023
Requested Amount: $10000

Project Title: ASO Sympatico
Project Description:

Funds from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation will support ASO Sympatico, the educational arm of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO), based on the El Sistema model of music education, which is internationally recognized as a life-changing music program. Through music instruction and performance, Sympatico provides youth with the essential life skills and values they need to succeed in school and reach their full potential as young adults. Students participate in one of five musical ensembles.

John Adams Elementary School (JAES) is a Title I Targeted Assistance school with a total enrollment of 732 students, all of whom receive free breakfast and lunch. Currently, 72 students at JAES are enrolled in ASO Sympatico. JAES represents ACPS’ overall ethnic and cultural diversity—39% Hispanic, 24% African-American, 24% White, 10% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 2% Multi-Racial. Many JAES parents work multiple jobs, creating a need to drop students off earlier and pick them up later than the school day allows. With both morning and afternoon ensembles available to their children, Sympatico alleviates the need for additional childcare for many families. There is no cost to participating students or families and no prerequisites for enrolling. Sympatico serves students of all abilities, musical and otherwise, as well as those with special needs. (JAES reports 9% with disabilities.)

Sympatico will offer the following ensembles for 23-24: Cantamos (chorus), Bucket Band, Mallet Machine (intermediate Orff/mallets), Fiddle Factory (mixed strings), and Basic Beats and Beyond (K-2). Basic Beats and Beyond incorporates rhythm and movement specifically tailored to entry-level students, preparing them to transition into the intermediate ensembles in future years.

Funding would provide ongoing support for the existing program. The main priorities for the 23-24 school year are professional development for the instructors, increasing enrollment for Basic Beats and Beyond, and launching a peer mentorship program.

Total Project Budget: $66,750

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $25,000 Paul M. Angell Foundation – pending, $3,000 Rotary Club – pending, $7,500 Nora Roberts Foundation- pending. Additional foundations and individuals will be solicited throughout the year.

Project Duration: September 2023-June 2024
Geographical Area Served: City of Alexandria
Age Group To Be Served: Elementary School (K-5) – ages 5-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Melinda
Contact Last Name: Kernc
Contact Title: Director of Development and Marketing
Contact Phone: 626-818-1998
Contact Email: kernc@alexsym.org