Conductor’s Circle
Chartered in 1989 by the Board of Trustees of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Association, the Conductor’s Circle was established to clearly identify this select group of donors whose commitment, vision, and concern for the future of the Orchestra are demonstrated by their tangible support of its endowment.
Membership in the Conductor’s Circle is accorded each friend who makes provision for the Orchestra through the Symphony Trust as part of his or her estate planning or who makes a direct gift to the Trust at the current designated level. Special designated funds also may be established (in consultation with trustees) to honor an individual or family name.
Conductor’s Circle members are recognized annually at an event where the Orchestra’s achievements and future plans are reviewed. In gratitude for their generosity, members are also given priority consideration for access to selected Symphony programs and events.
Membership in the Conductor’s Circle brings each donor the dual satisfaction of providing funds for the Orchestra of today and perpetuating the Orchestra of tomorrow in our second century.
The Second Century
Strategic objectives to Open community access to the QCSO; Engage with the entire community; and lead through educational and artistic partnerships necessitate a strong endowment that include addressing critical challenges in three inherently interlinked areas of our mission: artistic excellence, audience growth, and education. Our endowment is crucial to provide annual funding that focuses on advancement in these areas.
Excellence in Education
- Support and expand the performance and educational opportunities of the youth training ensembles, including affordable and accessible music instruction for all youth through need-based youth scholarships and financial aid
- Continue and grow the instrumental lesson programs taught by QCSO musicians and ensure that all students have the financial support needed to achieve their musical aspirations
- Provide professional development training for QCSO teaching musicians, such as Suzuki Methodology, to position them as leaders in instrumental instruction in our community
- Provide guest artist workshops and residencies to augment our current educational programs
- Provide supplemental funding for popular school and community engagement programs, such as Symphony Day and Musicians in the Schools
Artistic Education & Audience Growth
- Raise the artistic profile of the QCSO regionally and nationally by continuing to offer challenging repertoire including annual commissions, world premieres, and high profile, guest soloists that represent a diverse range of artists
- Endow principal chairs within the orchestra to support musicians of the highest quality
- Partner with schools and community organizations to expand access to the QCSO for all members of the community through programs such as Students @ Symphony and our Concert Access Pass for low-income Quad Citizens
- Engage new communities with targeted marketing and publicity efforts – such as additional educational offerings, and smaller run-out concerts and performances
The Trust assets help provide the foundation of sustained greatness for the Symphony. Your legacy gift will build off this platform and take the Symphony to new heights in our new century!
The Trust Committee includes: Jill McLaughlin (chair), Dan Churchill, John Hayes, Don Pedersen, Greg Schermer, Anette Tephly (QCSO President), Katie Marchik (ex-officio)
Are you an Iowa Resident? Learn more about Endow Iowa tax credits.
