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Cobb Symphony Orchestra seeks to raise $60,000 in "60 for 60" Campaign

KENNESAW, GA - The Cobb Symphony Orchestra will kick of its "60 for 60" campaign this week, an initiative to raise $60,000 in honor of its 60th Anniversary Season beginning in September 2010. Over the past half decade, the CSO has experienced an exponential growth due to its education and community outreach programs such as the 400 student Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the Georgia Center for the Arts, and the Super Saturdays and Casual Friday Open Rehearsals programs.

"Over the past few years, we have shifted the attitude of our organization in regards to its relationship with the community - going from one which thought of itself existing as simply a part of the society, to one which thinks of itself as central to the community," says Michael Alexander, Music Director.

Over time, this shift has caught attention both nationwide and here in the metro region. Pierre Ruhe, Atlanta-Journal Constitution writer states, "The Cobb Symphony Orchestra, one of the region's finest semi-professional community ensembles, has been on a growth curve since Michael Alexander took over as music director five years ago. Even in this economy, the orchestra’s ambition hasn’t been stymied."

But that is not entirely true - the CSO has refused to cut programs because of their popularity in the community, but in exchange has found itself in on a tricky path towards continuing these programs in the future.

"I'm sure it goes without saying - this has been a challenging economic climate in which to be fund raising," adds Executive Director Brian Hermanson, which in conjunction with the organization's purposefully low ticket prices, creates a tough atmosphere. "We want to earn our way like every other small business, but the truth is that arts organizations and their communities share a symbiotic relationship - one does not exist without the other - and donations are a critical part of the survival of any non-profit."

The Organization brings together over a 1,000 people each week into some facet of it's programming; and the economic impact for the community through these programs, part of which is bringing patrons to restaurants and stores, is simply astounding - estimated around $1 million.

"What we truly hope is that people realize how important this organization is, both culturally and financially, to the community," notes Hermanson. "Donations have ranged from as small as $10 to as large as $5,000. It all compounds to make a tremendous difference."

For information about making a contribution, contact Brian Hermanson, at (770) 429 - 7015, or by e-mail at bhermanson@cobbsymphony.org, or simply visit their website at www.CobbSymphony.org.

The Cobb Symphony Orchestra strives to ensure artistic excellence in a diverse community that takes pride in the Orchestra's artistic success and feels a sense of ownership for the Orchestra. The Cobb Symphony is further dedicated to becoming a catalyst for community collaborations and for lifelong learning, using technology and other means to broaden the musical experience of current and future audiences. For more information, visit www.CobbSymphony.org or call (770) 429 - 7016.

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