Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: WYSO
Mailing Address: 17 Applegate Ct., Suite 10
City: Madison
State: WI
Postal Code: 53713
Main Phone: 608-733-6283
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.wysomusic.org
Employer ID Number: 39-6101087
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/29/2023
Requested Amount: $7,850

Project Title: WYSO Music Makers
Project Description:

The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras was established in 1966 with a mission to enrich lives by providing transformational musical experiences and opportunities. In 2016, WYSO established the Music Makers program as a way for students to engage with music in a non-competitive environment, regardless of ability to pay. WYSO respectfully requests $7,850, 50% of the necessary costs to move 20 students off the waiting list and into a program that changes lives.

Music Makers currently serves 115 students, with 23 on a waiting list until additional funding is available. Students come from underserved families in Dane County, WI who struggle to make ends meet and cannot afford to spend money on instruments or music classes. 70% of Music Makers families qualify for free-and-reduced lunch.

In the Music Makers program, students receive private lessons and group instruction, learn to play a musical instrument and within an ensemble. Each Music Makers student receives a quality instrument, learns to mentor others, and can participate in activities such as Music Makers Student Council. Students participate in two concerts and recitals each year. Through this experience, students learn to lead, follow, communicate, and be responsible and resilient. With these tools and experiences, students are set up to succeed as musicians, and in life.

The Music Makers program believes that every child should have access to music education. Learning to play an instrument accelerates brain development and research has shown that just two years of studying music can rewire neural pathways for communication and mathematics into super-highways, leading to outcomes like better grades and increased graduation rates. Beyond these academic metrics, many Music Makers students recognize music as a creative and socio-emotional outlet in their lives. Music Makers cultivates a supportive environment in which students can explore their artistic voices and connect with peers through music.

Total Project Budget: $90,358

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Endres Foundation, Forest Foundation, Edith Olsen Foundation, Koppa Family Foundation, Pleasant Rowland Foundation, W.Jerome Frautschi Foundation, Dane Arts

Project Duration: Nov.30, 2023-May 31, 2024
Geographical Area Served: Southern Dane County , Wisconsin
Age Group To Be Served: 5-18 years of age

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Susan
Contact Last Name: Gardels
Contact Title: Director of Development and Communication
Contact Phone: 608-698-8159
Contact Email: susan@wysomusic.org