October 19 - November 19, 2023

Practice-a-Thon is very much like a Walk-a-Thon, but instead of walking, young musicians practice their instrument, participate in rehearsals and music class, study music theory, play music with friends, and perform!
 

Why a Practice-a-Thon?

The goals of the Practice-a-Thon are threefold:
- To encourage our young musicians to develop good practice habits, while preparing for their concerts with us and with other groups.
- To help financially support our program by raising at least our budgeted goal of $7,000. Raising these much needed funds will help keep our youth orchestra tuition low while keeping our music education programs strong.
- To increase awareness of our programs by having our young musicians and their families reach out through your networks to spread the word about the important work we are doing.
 
We aim for 100% participation from all ensemble and orchestra members. Since no outside products or services are involved, 100% of the amount raised goes directly to our youth ensembles. You can support our programs and earn prizes by doing what you do anyway—practicing!
 
That’s why we track these statistics about the Practice-a-Thon:
- Practice Time
- Money Raised 
You can help us achieve our outreach goals by suggesting to your young musician possible sponsors who may not already know about our programs and who might be willing to support your young musician’s involvement. An email request can be a very effective and easy way to generate interest. While we are always grateful for parent donations, this fundraiser is designed to seek donations from, and contact with, the broader community.
 

SPONSORS:

Need help? Read instructions on how to donate online here>
 

Sponsors can donate online or by check:

• Online: Click HERE >  Make sure to designate the young musician’s name in the “Purpose of gift” field.

• Check: made payable to Santa Rosa Symphony.  Make sure to designate the young musician’s name in the memo line.  The check may be given to the ensemble manager at rehearsal by the young musician, or mailed to: Santa Rosa Symphony ATTN: Laura Leipzig, 50 Santa Rosa Ave, Ste. 410, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

NOTE: the young musician's name must be designated when the donation is made in order to receive credit.
 

Donations will be accepted From Thursday, October 19 through Monday, November 27. Late contributions may not be counted towards student totals.

If you would like to sponsor a member and don’t know one personally, please call Wendy Cilman at 707-546-7097 ext. 220.​
 

YOUNG MUSICIANS:

PART 1: Log your practice time

Starting on October 19, Keep track of how much time you spend making music, then show up to rehearsal and write your weekly total on the PAT Practice Log Board each week until your last rehearsal before November 19.

What Counts as Practice Time? 

- Practice time spent on your SRSYE instrument, whether at home, at school, or anywhere
- Practice on any other instrument that you play (singing counts!)
- Time spent studying music theory or scores
- Time spent in rehearsals, sectionals and lessons
- Time spent in informal practice groups – you are encouraged to get together with friends and ensemble-mates, either physically or virtually, to work on music together!
- Time spent performing – whether formal or otherwise!

Each week, bring your total practice time number and report it on the PAT board at rehearsal.

PART 2: Find Sponsors

Friends and family love hearing about your passion for playing music, and the Practice-a-Thon is a great opportunity for them to support our Education Programs.

You can use the letter template found on the Practice-a-Thon page of our website as is, modify it, or create your own! 

Make it personal: Supporters are more likely to donate when they see how much playing music means to you! Include a photo of you with your instrument or a short video of you playing a few measures of your favorite piece. You can reach out to anybody who might support you - parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, cousins, neighbors, friends, your parents’ co-workers, and anyone else you can think of to support your efforts and our programs! 

Sponsors can pledge a fixed dollar amount, OR, Sponsors can pledge a certain dollar amount for every hour you practice between Oct 19-Nov 19. (the young musician must track total hours for this)
 

Sponsors can donate online or by check:

• Online: Click HERE >  Make sure to designate the young musician’s name in the “Purpose of gift” field.

• Check: made payable to Santa Rosa Symphony.  Make sure to designate the young musician’s name in the memo line.  The check may be given to the ensemble manager at rehearsal by the young musician, or mailed to: Santa Rosa Symphony ATTN: Laura Leipzig, 50 Santa Rosa Ave, Ste. 410, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

   

NOTE: the young musician's name must be designated when the donation is made in order to receive credit.
 

Donations will be accepted From Thursday, October 19 through Monday, November 27. 

Late contributions may not be counted towards student totals.
 

Part 3: WIN PRIZES!

• The ENSEMBLE that logs the most hours wins a Pizza Party!

• Individuals with the most hours or most funds raised will each receive a prize.

• Ensembles with 100% participation receive bonus prizes!

Santa Rosa Symphony is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donation is tax deductible. Our Tax ID is  #94-6134075 and address is 50 Santa Rosa Ave, Ste 410, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Banner photo by Susan and Neil Silverman Photography