The SeaSide Singers has adopted a new funding model this year to help meet rising music costs and to continue delivering its services to the Port Stephens community.
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But in order for the new funding model to work, the Nelson Bay-based choir is in need of the community’s help.
The choir is seeking Port businesses, organisations or individuals interested in sponsoring them for the 2018 season to get in touch.
“As our profile in the community continues to grow so do calls on us for performances,” Jeanette Antrum, president of the SeaSide Singers, said.
“We are stretched to the limits financially. Sport is well sponsored in Port Stephens. We would like to see a similar focus on sponsorship for cultural pursuits.”
In the past, the SeaSide Singers have relied on $3000 in funding through Port Stephens Council’s cultural grant programs.
This money is put towards costs to deliver performances in and for the Port Stephens community.
Some of the costs involved in running the group include insurance, promotion, updating of equipment and venue hire.
The group also buys its music. But being such a popular group, with about 40 regular members, it must buy a lot of music to cover the singers.
Additionally, wanting to maintain a fresh music program, the group buys new music as regularly as it can. Another cost is music director Ellery Durrant’s wage.
“We want to make sure Ellery stays with us and that he is being paid a wage that is suitable for his position,” Antrum said.
The SeaSide Singers are seeking at least one guaranteed annual sponsorship of $2000 for the next two years, which will cover the life of its prepared business plan, smaller levels of sponsorship to assist with ongoing running expenses, which is about $4000 annually, and financial donations.
More information about the SeaSide Singers sponsorship plan, plus what donors will receive in return for their support, can be access through Antrum by emailing jaf.antrum@gmail.com.
Choir practices for the SeaSide Singers are in full swing again as the group prepares for another busy year.
The SeaSide Singers will once again hold a concert for the NSW Seniors Festival in April, its annual concert will be held in July and the Christmas concert will round out the year.
Additionally, the group will lead the singing for Anzac Day in Nelson Bay, perform at community festivals, in retirement villages and for exhibition launches, anniversary dinners and other organisation’s specific special occasions.