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The BBCM is changing its look. The 2009 campaign “Where music begins” was conceived by faculty member, Ralph Liberto, and features an illustration he commissioned from local artist, Jeff George. “Ralph came to me with the idea in December of 2008,” notes director Ryan Weber, “and it seemed to communicate the evolving direction of the school.”
A Community Resource
And it is true that the BBCM has evolved into a community resource for everyone who has always dreamed of playing or singing music, to give them not only a starting point, but also a complete approach to addressing all the components of performance.
“Music is meant to be enjoyed and shared with others,” notes Weber, “years ago, every house had a piano, and it was the center of evening and holiday activities for the entire family. We seemed to have lost that center as a culture, and I see that manifesting throughout our society. However, we’re seeing a resurgence of that spirit, in part through our efforts, which pleases me, the faculty, and students’ families very much.”
“Where music begins”
The slogan, “Where music begins” really speaks to a focus toward primary school children who want to start learning music sooner than it’s offered in the school systems. To that end, the BBCM offers more than just piano instruction. The highly acclaimed faculty includes violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, percussion, and voice instructors.
Goal Setting
Perhaps more importantly, all this is offered within the context of a school-like environment. “Goal setting is a critical component of what we offer,” points out Weber, “and to that end we require school-age students to participate in at least two public recitals during the school year. This provides very important opportunities for students, faculty and families.”
Valuable Experiences
Overcoming first-night jitters or performance anxiety, and the sense of accomplishment that results from working toward and achieving long-range goals is an invaluable experience.
“Most students, and many professionals, have to learn how to cope with being in front of group of people and playing music, or giving a presentation, at some point in their life,” notes Weber, “so we provide a realistic context to develop those skills, which, even if they don’t go on to careers in music, provides our students with valuable experiences they can apply to other professions.”
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Campaign 2009
“Campaign 2009 is designed to focus our existing efforts and programs for children in kindergarten through 6th grade while creating new initiatives,” adds Weber: “the goals are offered in response to the recent conservatory-wide evaluation, and were established with Ralph’s generous help. They include: filling the existing “gap” in music instruction throughout the community, specifically those students in kindergarten through 6th grade; creating programming that will address the needs of beginning students; raising an awareness throughout the community of the benefits of early music instruction; creating a sense of “branding” and image that is conducive to early music education; and raising funds and new donors predicated on these efforts.
Beanies, Bags, and Scholarships
As part of the school’s new ‘branding campaign,’ funds will be raised to construct a sign, featuring the new logo. In addition to donor contributions, the school is offering book bags, beanies, and jackets featuring the new logo, to aid the effort. The school feels this is a good way to offer needed articles to students and family members that will also benefit the school.
“We also want to draw attention to the existence of Cello scholarships and other outlets of early education unique to BBCM, and help fund these programs as well,” observes Weber. Additionally, all new families who mention the “Where Music Begins…” campaign will receive $10 off their first month’s tuition.
Community Growth
This is a real community effort, being undertaken in response to some real needs in the community. “In addition to Ralph’s help, he has enlisted the expertise of local businesses, such as Jeff George Design, Visual Expressions and Hunt Signs, to execute the marketing campaign’s collateral. Local media will also play an important role in raising public awareness.” Weber observes: “The great thing is that, with the help of the community the Black Bear Conservatory of Music is continuing to grow, and this growth in turn helps the community grow.” And that should be music to everyone’s ears! |
