Allendale Jazz Orchestra Commission

Hello,

We are the Allendale Jazz Orchestra, a local organization based out of Allendale, MI that aims to provide musicians an open and creative space to rehearse and perform jazz music. Our membership is made up of musicians of all ages and skill levels with the goal of participating in events and activities that promote the organization as a performing ensemble, as well as share awareness of jazz music, and support events and activities in the surrounding community. Our band has given musical opportunities to community members that vary from musicians who quit band as teenagers and decided to pick up an instrument again, those who want to continue to grow their skills and enjoy playing past high school, up to professional musicians and music teachers.

As our band continues to work on improving our skill set and outreach to the community, we've recognized a significant setback in equipment needs — a sound system capable of producing the sound we need to perform our best. Currently, we have been using our director's personal PA system, which does not meet the capabilities we truly need during performances. A new system would include speakers, monitors, microphones, and cables/stands to make these pieces all work together. However, since our main source of income for the band is performing at nursing homes or unpaid community and festival performances, our income has been limited especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. While we have performed recently, they have primarily been unpaid performances. With this, it means our income to purchase equipment has been limited. We are looking to fundraise for the sound system to continue providing great performances for our local community and improve the experience of our listeners.

Thank you for your donations, and we are looking forward to performing for you in the near future!

— Allendale Jazz Orchestra