A hugely busy and successful year

Excellent concerts and even greater involvement with children through the various threads of our Music For Life scheme. Also a great step forward in the quality of all our marketing efforts.

Achievements

These have been the result of the dedication of every member of the Committee and of the many members who help in so many ways. Just a few of the highlights:

• Our 25th Birthday celebration weekend built round the Sacconi Quartet
• The introduction of our ‘free for children’ Calling all Kids! Concerts
• The Sage Gateshead visit for Knayton School
• The full colour season’s concert brochure
• The the website ticket purchasing facility

On the down side

• Several much loved and loyal members have passed away or are too unwell to join us at concerts. We miss them all and are grateful for their part in growing the Society to what it is today.
• We have spent a fair bit more than we earned this year but this was a planned extravagance.
• Two of our Committee are standing down. Cecil Dennis has been our Treasurer for three years and Keith Carley was our initial and long time Chairman. Thank you both.

Our aims for the next twelve months

• To raise the financial support for Music For Life by attracting new patrons, commercial and/or trust fund support. A brand new leaflet which is currently in production will be the focus of this marketing effort.
• To grow the initial success of the Calling all Kids! concerts and to work hard to convert the attending parents and children into mainstream concert supporters.

Reserves Policy

To aim keep reserves below the level that would fund a year’s Music For Life programme (including Calling all Kids!, Peter Chase Award etc.) and replace like for like the Steinway B piano. – i.e. £55,000.

Public Benefit

In 2008/2009, 1,500 members of the public have attended our mainstream evening concerts, nearly 4,000 children have enjoyed concerts and workshops in 37 schools, Calling all Kids concerts, excursions to The Sage Gateshead or by taking advantage of free tickets at our evening concerts. In addition around 50 teachers have benefited from a special workshop and 4 music students have been supported through our Peter Chase Award scheme.

Chairman, Sowerby Music