A CAMPAIGN FOR THE MUSIC, THE ART, PHILHARMONIC
& THE HEART OF WEST TEXAS
After overwhelming success during phase 1 of this campaign, the Abilene Philharmonic is moving directly
into Phase 2! Originally a community orchestra, the Abilene Philharmonic has grown to being a professional symphony orchestra that features world renown guest artists as well as young emerging talent. Under the leadership of current Music Director, David Itkin, the Abilene Philharmonic has become the premier performing arts organization in Abilene and is recognized regionally for its high artistic excellence. Maestro Itkin has masterfully assembled this orchestra of very talented musicians and has set a precedent for superior artistic quality. To better ensure the future and leadership of this important Abilene Institution, the Philharmonic Foundation has launched a campaign to build a $3 million endowment fund for the Music Director position.
GOAL OF THE CAMPAIGN: PHASE 2
The goal of this second phase is to raise an additional $1 million by the Abilene Philharmonic’s 75th Anniversary in 2025, that will support the continued artistic excellence and growth of your APO.
WHAT WOULD YOUR GIFT SUPPORT?
This endowment would ensure a competitive salary to retain and attract a top-class Music Director for the Abilene Philharmonic. Additionally, this endowment would free up funding to support the following needs:
1
Create capacity for a much- deserved pay increase for the over 70 musicians who perform with your Philharmonic. The Abilene Philharmonic pulls musicians from all over the state to ensure the best possible performance for its community. However, these musicians have not received a substantial raise in many years and the current wage has fallen well below the industry pay standard.
2
Directly impact the quality and diversity of guest artists that are invited to share
the stage with the Abilene Philharmonic. Maestro Itkin does a tremendous job creating exciting and varied programs on a limited budget, and this endowment would increase the available funds needed to successfully recruit world-class soloists and musicians.
3
Substantially increase the available budget needed to properly market and advertise the APO’s concerts and education programs that include the Abilene Youth Orchestra, Mission: Strings, masterclasses, Instrument Petting Zoos, and more.
YOUR GIFT TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
An endowment is a permanent fund that provides annual support to the Abilene Philharmonic. Similar to a personal retirement account, this fund will be prudently and expertly invested. Each year the fund will provide an annual stipend to further support the goals and aims of the Abilene Philharmonic – creating a permanent, stream of financial support in perpetuity.
TRUST IN YOUR GIFT
Funds for this campaign will be given to the Abilene Philharmonic Foundation, which consists of an independent Board of 10 individuals whose main purpose is to oversee the stability and success of these funds. Housed at First Financial Trust, these funds will be invested as advised
by the Abilene Philharmonic Foundation’s investment policy.
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THIS CAMPAIGN?
Your support is vital to helping the Abilene Philharmonic endow the position of Music Director and continue to grow its impact in West Texas. Gifts can be as one-time payments or over a three-year pledge, and all sizes and types of gifts are welcome.
Additionally, special naming opportunities are listed here and are an excellent opportunity to honor you, your family or a loved one with a permanent, named position or chair.
For more information,
please contact Kevin Smith at 325.677.6710 or ksmith@abilenephilharmonic.org.