The milestone that this 50th Anniversary Season marks raises the question: How can a group of volunteer musicians sustain a tradition like Prometheus Symphony Orchestra for 50 years?
- It takes a great Music Director who knows how to challenge, cajole and inspire us. We have been blessed with six of them. Eric Hansen continues to strengthen that tradition, making the experience rewarding so that excellent musicians stay on.
- It takes 50 or so dedicated musicians trekking to rehearsal every Monday night, after already putting in a full day, making every effort to master the great composers. Exciting, at times overwhelming, but always worth it. Thirteen of our current players have been with the orchestra for 20 or more years: seven of those for over 30 and two for over 40 years. And we practice, practice, practice!
- It takes loyal fans and friends. Our performances draw full houses of appreciative music lovers, some having attended our concerts for many years.
- It takes a constant search for amateur musicians willing and able to conquer the demanding repertoire and to do so for the love of music.
- It takes orchestra members putting in lots of time and thought to produce a five-concert season, year after year. We have no management or production staff – the orchestra members do it all.
What Do the Members Do?
- Create and maintain a classy and informative website
- Produce professional quality season brochures and concert programs
- Publicize concerts with colorful flyers and press releases
- Run our Young Artist Concerto Competition with publicity and auditions
- Find performance and rehearsal space and negotiate contracts
- Set up rehearsals and concerts: move church pews, tables, chairs and stands
- Make homemade baked goodies and coffee for our concert intermissions
- Search for new players to keep our sections at their peak
- Serve on the Board of Directors and Orchestra Committee
- Develop a budget, keep financial records necessary for a 501(c)3 nonprofit
- Rent music, file tax returns and keep ourselves in good financial standing
- Engage in fund raising, like getting program ads and grants
- Brainstorm ideas to assure we progress into our next 50 years
Where Does the Money Come From?
From our audience and friends. We delight in allowing Free Admission to keep our doors open to all, including families and senior citizens. We are able to do that because of the ongoing generosity of our many loyal supporters. They are our mainstay.
From our members. Each of us contributes $400 a year. Many contribute additional sums, some quite substantial.
From grants and program ads. We have received modest and very welcome grants from the Alameda County ARTSFUND. We benefit from the employer “matching grant” programs of Chevron Corporation and others, which match the level of support the employee donates to Prometheus.
From donations from friends like you. We would not be celebrating our 50th Season without the fabulous generosity of our friends and supporters. Your donations are our lifeblood, and we are very grateful.