Pulled from reports written by Diane Duda, organized by Abby Rolland*
As part of The Presser Foundation’s drive to be more transparent and to amplify the work of its partners, it uses information from grant reports to highlight its grantees.
Each post will spotlight one organization, which has final say over the contents and structure of the post. In this way, the Foundation hopes to not only use information from grant reports (which often go unread and unused), but also to shine the light on many wonderful music organizations.
This post focuses on Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra (MCCO), a newer grantee of The Presser Foundation. As the only organization in the area presenting both a chorus and orchestra within the same setting, MCCO offers local musicians an opportunity to use their talents while providing the community the chance to hear live performances that are both affordable and convenient to access.
This blog post highlights MCCO’s history, recent programming, new initiatives, and intended impact.
History
The Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra was founded in 1998 by Michael Kemp as an outreach ensemble of Germantown Academy. Michael’s vision was to offer the joy of making music to all. Membership was open, without audition, to parents, staff, and community members. When Michael retired from Germantown Academy in 2009, members formed a governing board, became self-supporting, and in 2016, MCCO was granted 501(c)(3) status.
Since its founding, MCCO has offered high quality performances of a mostly classical repertoire, including masterworks and smaller pieces as well as serious contemporary music, for orchestra and full chorus.
In 2019, the organization welcomed its second Artistic Director and Conductor, David J. Fitzpatrick. Under his leadership, MCCO was restructured by adding new sub-committees; instituting a rebranding campaign including a new logo, website, and advertising materials; and developing new and innovative programming opportunities as well as community outreach initiatives.
Programming and Growth Over Time
MCCO has not only been able to sustain its programming, audience, and membership since the COVID-19 pandemic, but has been able to grow in each of those respects.
During the 2022-23 year, MCCO launched its first orchestra-only concert in October, presented a holiday performance in December with an all-time high of audience members and ticket revenue, and presented their 25th Anniversary concert. At the latter, they presented the world premiere of “To Sing and Rejoice,” a new commission by MCCO by composer (and Foundation Trustee) Dr. Rollo Dilworth.
Last year, MCCO welcomed more than 25 new members to both the chorale and orchestra. Contributed revenue from individual and institutional foundations reached historic heights. In addition, MCCO experienced substantial growth in season subscriptions, ticket revenue, and concert attendance.
New Initiatives
In addition to their regular programming, MCCO has also embedded new initiatives into their ongoing work. Three of these initiatives are highlighted below.
- Music Scholars Program
Open by audition to current high school juniors and seniors in Montgomery County, this program fosters the music education of the selected scholars, allows students to grow as young musicians and explore repertoire, and provides performing opportunities they would not normally be exposed to, through collaboration with the artistic staff and current members of MCCO. The program allows students to take on leadership roles within the ensembles, participate on committees, and potentially serve as soloists for concerts. A small stipend is given to each scholar for their participation in the program.
Three talented high school instrumentalists were chosen as MCCO’s first Music Scholars in 2022-23. They practiced and performed alongside MCCO orchestra members, gaining valuable musical experience and education, and helped spread the word about MCCO in their respective communities. Because the first season of the Music Scholars Program was beneficial for all parties, MCCO continued this program in the 2023-2024 season, welcoming three more scholars, with plans for future expansion.
- The Michael Kemp Fund for New Music
The Fund was established in September 2020 to honor MCCO’s founding Artistic Director. Through the Fund, MCCO commissions composers to write new pieces for choir and orchestra. In support of the organization’s diversity and inclusion goals, the focus of this effort is on women, BIPOC, and other underrepresented composers. Dr. Dilworth was the first commissioned composer.
- Community Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee was formed in February 2023 to increase public awareness of the art of MCCO through publicity, advertising, and person-to-person outreach. The Committee supports MCCO goals to expand membership, build audience and member diversity, and further develop the organization’s community engagement efforts. Success in these areas, along with maintaining and growing fundraising efforts, will support further revenue growth.
Through its strategic plan, MCCO will continue to find ways to grow and innovate. Key elements of that strategic plan are the expansion of the educational offerings and an audience development program to supplement performance activities, thereby furthering the mission of increasing community engagement in music and the arts.
Over time, MCCO plans on developing further community outreach initiatives to help the organization engage with a larger, more diverse demographic in Montgomery County and to attract both new members and new audience attendees.
Impact
Through execution of their planned programs, MCCO plans to:
- Provide inspirational, uplifting and culturally enriching music performances to its community that are convenient, affordable, and accessible
- Provide interested community members with a welcoming and inclusive outlet for their musical talents
- Nurture the growth of diverse, amateur musicians
- Build a sense of community through the preparation and performance of thoughtful and inspiring music
- Raise community awareness of the significant contributions of under-represented composers, and provide a platform for the work of under-represented composers to be showcased in the area
- Engage musicians in the performance of works by under-represented composers
- Provide selected Music Scholars from local high schools an opportunity to enhance their musical education through performance with adult musicians
In many ways, MCCO demonstrates what is possible for a smaller nonprofit organization to accomplish. Through the creative use of their resources, MCCO is finding ways to provide choral and orchestral music in Montgomery County while also thinking creatively about engaging community members and young audiences and centering equity into their efforts.
*Special thanks to Diane Duda, co-chair of the MCCO Board’s Development Committee, for contributing to this blog post through writing various applications and reports for The Presser Foundation.
