In Saturday’s (12/17) Reporter News (Abilene, Texas), Jeremy Goldmeier writes, “With the help of a heavyweight soda company, the Abilene Philharmonic hopes to resurrect something that the Big Country hasn’t seen in six years—a youth orchestra. Philharmonic development director Holly Medlock applied for and received a slot in the Pepsi Refresh Project, which allows online voters to dole out grant money to deserving nonprofits. The Philharmonic is seeking $25,000 to start up a youth orchestra that would include players from Abilene and the surrounding region. As of Friday, the group’s entry sat in 133rd place in its category, with voting ending Dec. 30. … Medlock said Abilene’s previous youth orchestra disbanded in 2005 because of a lack of funds. Barring a win in the Pepsi Refresh Project voting, Medlock said she doesn’t anticipate the Philharmonic having alternative means of bringing back the program. … The Philharmonic’s plan for the potential $25,000 grant would include $12,000 for a new conductor’s salary, $5,000 to contract with a venue for rehearsal and concert space, and $4,000 for music supplies.”
Posted December 20, 2011
