1

36th

Season The most prolific independent producer and presenter of choral concerts

in the history of Carnegie Hall, since 1891

December 2018 – June, 2019

���� CONCERT-ONLY RESIDENCY PACKAGE ���� for Choral Ensemblesfor Choral Ensemblesfor Choral Ensemblesfor Choral Ensembles

MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS

PROFESSIONALLY

PRODUCES AND PRESENTS

YOUR CONCERT

and

YOU PROVIDE

TRAVEL AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

$899 Per person

For all Carnegie Hall Concerts in 2019

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 2

Peter Tiboris conducts Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 with the New England Symphonic Ensemble at

Carnegie Hall, New York City- April 25, 2016

Performers take the stage in Carnegie Hall on June 11, 2017

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 3

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 4

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 5

INITIAL PAYMENT DEADLINES AND ADDED "BONUS" COMPLIMENTARY PACKAGES FOR

EARLY DEPOSITS FOR CARNEGIE HALL 2019

Concerts between December 31, 2018 and April 7, 2019:

The initial per-person deadline for registration is April 15, 2018. A complimentary land package is

provided for every multiple of 30 persons who register (30 registrations then #31 is free; registrations of

32 to 61 then #62 is free; registrations 63 to 92 then #93 is free, etc.). The initial per-person payment on

the Full Residency Package or Concert-Only Package is $300 per-person.

An additional "BONUS" complimentary land package is provided for every multiple of 30 persons if the

initial per-person registration occurs by March 1, 2018.

For example: If you register with 30 paid persons on April 15, 2018, you receive 1 complimentary land

package (31 total). However, If the same persons register by March 1, 2018, then there are 2

complimentary packages----a bonus of 1 additional package. If you added an additional 30 persons

afterwards you would receive 1 more complimentary package for a total of 3. The initial per-person

payment on the Full Residency Package or Concert-Only Package is $300 per-person.

Concerts between April 21 and June 16, 2019:

The initial per-person deadline for registration is October 1, 2018. A complimentary land package is

provided for every multiple of 30 persons who register (30 registrations then #31 is free; registrations of

32 to 61 then #62 is free; registrations 63 to 92 then #93 is free, etc.). The initial per-person payment on

the Full Residency Package or Concert-Only Package is $300 per-person.

An additional “BONUS” complimentary land package is provided for every multiple of 30 persons if the

initial per-person registration occurs by June 1, 2018.

For example: If you register with 30 paid persons on October 1, 2018, you receive 1 complimentary land

package (31 total). However, If the same persons register by June 1, 2018, then there are 2

complimentary packages----a bonus of 1 additional package. If you added another 30 persons afterwards

you would receive 1 more complimentary package for a total of 3. The initial per-person payment on the

Full Residency Package or Concert-Only Package is $300 per-person.

NOTES:

If the conductor is a "guest conductor", their free land package is not included in the above calculation.

The number of participants is a combination of performers and non-performers all taking the Full

Residency Package ($1499) or Concert-Only Package ($899). Non-performers include family, friends, etc.

Non-performers taking the Concert-only Package ($499) DO NOT COUNT towards complimentary land

packages.

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 6

MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS $899 CONCERT-ONLY PACKAGE FOR CHORAL ENSEMBLES

With this $899 per person performance fee you receive:

1. 30+ YEARS of WORLDWIDE CONCERT-PRODUCING EXPERIENCE: MidAmerica has produced 1100+ concerts worldwide, of

which 500+ have taken place in Carnegie Hall, in addition to dozens at Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center.

Among our dedicated staff is an astonishing 150+ years of cumulative service at MidAmerica, which has been devoted completely

towards our participating performers.

2. COMPLETE, EXTENSIVE, PROFESSIONAL ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION of your performance in New

York City, including: venue, conductor, soloist, and orchestra engagement/management; labor and personnel at the hall,

including ushers, stage crew, house managers, etc.; official “Playbill” preparation and printing; publicity and audience

development (flyers, posters, press releases, etc.); schedules; protocol; rehearsal site and accompanist arrangements; backstage

management; security passes; day-to-day concert- and residency-related matters in the months leading up to your performance.

In addition, MidAmerica provides assistance with pre-concert preparation (rehearsal notes, pre-concert recording evaluations,

and on-site conductor visits for select programs). During the residency itself, MidAmerica staff is on-site to personally manage all

concert-related activities.

3. ONE FREE CONCERT-ONLY PACKAGE is provided for every thirty (30) paying performer registrants.

4. DISTINGUISHED GUEST CONDUCTORS leading choral masterwork performances. MidAmerica’s 30 years of experience has

promoted and facilitated the appearance of over 700 guest conductors in New York’s prestigious halls, including such prominent

luminaries as John Rutter, Helmuth Rilling, Jonathan Willcocks, Sherill Milnes, Tim Sharp, René Clausen, Ragnar Bohlin, Paul

Salamunovich, David Brunner, Jean Ashworth Bartle, Doreen Rao, Sir David Willcocks, Robert De Cormier, Jerry Jordan, Hugh

Sanders, and more.

5. The NEW ENGLAND SYMPHONIC ENSEMBLE will accompany your choral performance -- a full professional symphony

orchestra now in its 22nd

year on our series, having performed over 400 concerts with MidAmerica Productions.

6. WORLD-CLASS SOLOISTS -- Soloists are contracted for all concerts by MAP and MIDAM International. These soloists are

engaged from the following managements only: ICM, UZAN, PINNACLE, WOLFE, SUNE, PARNASSUS, and TACT in order to

ensure top international quality. Unless an artist

is professionally managed by one of the

aforementioned organizations they cannot be

considered because MAP and MIDAM

International have exclusive contract

arrangements with these managements.

7. MIDAMERICA’S AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

DIVISION – Our expertise devoted to providing

the largest possible audience for your concert.

Average audience size: 2000 to 2300.

8. MIDAMERICA’S PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION

manages your concert’s web presence and sends

out news releases to major media, both locally

and nationwide. Critics are informed on a

regular basis. Over the years, significant

publications such as The New York Times, the

New York Daily News and the New York Post have

reviewed MidAmerica’s concerts. 9. PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPANISTS are

provided for your rehearsals from the New

York music community.

10. REHEARSAL FACILITIES are provided for pre-concert rehearsals.

Conductor Karl Chang and his choir before heading onto the stage at

Carnegie Hall (April 16, 2017)

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 7

11. TWO (2) COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT TICKETS (Parquet seating) will be given to each director with a minimum of 30

registered performers, for their personal use ($300 value).

12. AN EXCLUSIVE POST-CONCERT CELEBRATION RECEPTION CRUISE aboard the "Spirit of New York" or "Spirit of New

Jersey" (or similar). All Concert-only Package performers and non-performers are treated to a two-hour, “MidAmerica-only” sail

featuring a spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, with a buffet dinner, music, and dancing. Two

drink tickets will also be provided; extra drinks can be purchased on board. (MidAmerica can also provide post-concert round-trip

bus transportation from Carnegie Hall to Chelsea Piers and back to the residency hotel upon your request for an additional $39

per-person for those who wish this service. The reason that this is not included is because some ensembles bring their own buses

from their home locations to NYC or choose to take taxis or subways.) [A limited number of guests may also be accommodated

for an additional $139 per-person – please contact the MidAmerica production office for details regarding additional cruise ticket

availability for non-residency guests.]

A close-up of vocalists performing in MidAmerica Productions’ May 28, 2016 Carnegie Hall Concert

Singers are ready to perform in Carnegie Hall (May 29, 2017)

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 8

13. For each residency package participant, an 8 ½ x 11” REPLICA OF THE GIANT MARQUEE POSTER which announces your

concert at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center.

14. Each participating ensemble will receive one “on-stage” ENSEMBLE PHOTOGRAPH commemorating their Carnegie Hall or

Lincoln Center appearance.

15. MACY’S DISCOUNT COUPON – provided to each performance package participant, with each coupon redeemable at MACY’S

NYC (34th

Street and Broadway), the world’s LARGEST department store.

16. MONEY-SAVING DISCOUNTS for each package-paying person for varied restaurants near the hotel, the Theater District, and

Carnegie Hall.

SPECIAL OFFER for your affiliated NON-PERFORMERS

(Chaperones, family, friends and colleagues)

$499 per person

The Non-Performer Package includes:

1) Attendance at all rehearsals – including the closed Dress Rehearsal in Carnegie Hall

2) One concert ticket ($150 value – Parquet/Main level) to your performance

3) Restaurant and Macy’s Discounts as described above

4) An admission ticket for the post concert celebration reception cruise as described above (including dinner and two drink

tickets)

Please note that the above non-performer rate is only available to persons affiliated with ensembles who opt for the $899 concert-only

package. This special $499 non-performer's rate is not applicable when the performing groups take the $1499 package.

* If you are Guest Conducting and your appearance is predicated on a minimum registration (for example, 125 singers) please note that

non-performers $499 package participants do NOT count towards the minimum required for the concert ----in this case, 125. In

determining if a registering ensemble qualifies for free bonus package, those registrants taking the $499 non-performer package are

not counted.

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 9

THE RECORDING OF YOUR CONCERT IN CARNEGIE HALL:

A one-microphone archival recording (compact disc) can be made on your behalf directly

through MAP by Carnegie Hall’s production department. The cost for the audio recording is $2950 (which is not part of this package). Before this can be done, a contract waiver must be signed by your organization with the Carnegie Hall Corporation. A video recording (DVD) of

your performance, the cost being $4490 for a one-camera, one microphone recording and this, also, is not part of the residency package. Here, too, a waiver must be signed by your

organization with the Carnegie Hall Corporation.

*The cost of either or both recordings may be split evenly among participating ensembles by those who wish to purchase either recording, to be paid on your final invoice.

** Both the audio archival recording and archival video recording, which are available, are not of commercial quality and are prohibited from being broadcast and/or duplicated.

CONCERT TICKETS:

Discounted top-priced concert tickets for each of our 2019 36th season concerts at Carnegie Hall will be

available approximately 90 days prior to the concert date through our dedicated box office

representatives. Contact Molly Waymire at PipTix at info@piptix.com or 917-513-3080. Beginning two

calendar months prior to the concert, full-price tickets will be available through Carnegie Hall at

www.carnegiehall.org or CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800.

Current 2017-2018 ticket prices

(2018-2019 Concert Ticket Prices are yet to be established.)

Parquet, 1st and 2nd Tiers: $150

Dress Circle: $100

Balcony: $50

For further information, contact Ms. Molly Waymire at Piptix at molly.waymire@piptix.com, 917-513-

3080 or info@piptix.com.

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 10

MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS

���� Winter/Spring 2019 CONCERT-ONLY PACKAGE ����

DEPOSITS and PAYMENT SCHEDULE

If your

concert is

between:

1st

Deposit $300 per person is

due: (nonrefundable)

2nd

Deposit $200 per person is

due: (nonrefundable)

3rd

Deposit $200 per person is

due: (nonrefundable)

Group Travel

information is due: Final Payment and

Security Lists are due: (nonrefundable)

DECEMBER 31-

JANUARY 1 April 15, 2018 May 15, 2018 June 15, 2018 October 15, 2018 November 15, 2018

FEBRUARY 17-

APRIL 7

April 15, 2018

May 15, 2018

June 15, 2018

November 1, 2018

December 15, 2018

APRIL 21 & 28 October 1, 2018 December 1, 2018 January 15, 2019 January 15, 2019 March 1, 2019

MAY October 1, 2018 December 1, 2018 January 15, 2019 January 15, 2019 April 15, 2019

JUNE October 1, 2018 December 1, 2018 January 15, 2019 January 15, 2019 April 15, 2019

* Non-performers should remit an initial $300 per person deposit; the remainder will be billed on the final invoice.

PLEASE, ONLY ONE COMBINED CHECK PER GROUP REGISTRATION (NOT INDIVIDUAL CHECKS). Make checks payable to MidAmerica

Productions, Inc. Send registrations and payment via Federal Express or Express Mail (regular mail is not

recommended) to:

MidAmerica Productions, Attention Joyce Howard-Brazel - 39 Broadway, Suite 3600 (36th FL) • New York, NY 10006

For information on wire transfers, please contact Joyce Howard-Brazel, Vice-President/Director of Account Operations at 212/239-

0205, Ext. 219.

IMPORTANT: The first deposit must be accompanied by the Concert Registration Form and Participant List (performers and non-

performers).

* SECURITY LIST: This is an alphabetical list, for Carnegie Hall, of all group concert only package participants (performers and non-

performers); there is no admittance to Carnegie Hall backstage for anyone NOT on the security list, which is limited to package participants

only.

*** All deposits are non-refundable. Also, groups can be cancelled by MidAmerica Productions with all deposits becoming non-refundable in the

event that any part of this agreement is violated or abridged by Concert Package participant. Non-refunded monies are non-transferable

to the unpaid balance of the account; however, substitutions for cancelled persons are permissible.

All deposits and payments are non-refundable and non-transferable to the group’s unpaid balance, should an individual cancel their participation

(substitutions for cancelled persons are permissible). Cancellation insurance, therefore, is recommended. Please visit www.travelexinsurance.com

or call 1-800-228-9792 to inquire about trip cancellation insurance. Please use Location Code 32-6180 when requesting a Travelex insurance quote.

If the specified hall is unavailable for your performance due to “acts of God” (force majeure) or if the State or City of New York prohibits your concert from being held due

to security reasons, MidAmerica Productions, Inc., reserves the right to move this concert to another concert location in the City of New York.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflicts of law

principles thereof. The parties consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York with respect to any dispute arising out of this

agreement.

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 11

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

1) At the time of the initial deposit, ensembles will inform MidAmerica whether they opt for the “Full Residency” $1499

package or “Performance-Only” $899 package. These two package options are on a “whole-group” basis, meaning that all

participants in the ensemble will take either the Full Residency package, OR the Concert-Only package.

2) Once registered, the entire group status is set as either “Full-Residency” or “Concert-Only.” There can be no changing

between “Full Residency” or “Concert-Only” status after initial registration, nor individual exceptions within groups.

Affiliated non-performers and chaperones who plan to officially register as such with their group must take the same

package option as their ensemble.

3) MidAmerica Productions only registers groups of 10 participants or more (any combination of performers or non-

performers).

4) It is the responsibility of all persons participating on the concert-only package to arrive on time and fully prepared

to all rehearsals as well as the performance. Should these parameters not be met, MidAmerica will retain the

right to disallow those individuals from participating in the rehearsal and/or performance.

5) Ensembles consisting of high school-age performers require at least one registered adult for each 20 students.

For children’s choirs, there is a requirement of one registered adult for each 15 participants.

6) Individual registrations are not accepted.

7) DO NOT purchase any air tickets without getting a “go ahead” from MidAmerica Productions.

8) MidAmerica encourages participants to take advantage of New York’s unparalleled cultural life. Generally, pre-

concert evenings are free during the residency; these are the best time to book Broadway show tickets. However,

until you have received the confirmed rehearsal schedule from MidAmerica Productions, please do not book non-

refundable tickets for any daytime activities (shows, tours, etc.). MidAmerica cannot be responsible for schedule

conflicts or losses which may arise from pre-booking daytime tickets.

9) Ensembles must submit their travel and lodging particulars to MidAmerica 90 days in advance of their

performance. This information should include your group’s travel specifics (arrival and departure modes, dates,

and times, plus lodging information).

Conductor and Composer Michael Glasgow performing in Carnegie Hall on June 11, 2017

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 12

���� MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS

GENERAL RESIDENCY SCHEDULE

FOR “CONCERT-ONLY” CHORAL REGISTRANTS

The following is a summary of a typical New York residency with MidAmerica Productions. It contains guidelines on activities and

general times for your information; however, each residency is arranged and scheduled separately based on the type of concert.

DAY 1: Arrival in NYC

DAY 2: One rehearsal with piano only, scheduled by MAP, in either the morning or the afternoon. The evening is free.

DAY 3: One rehearsal with piano only, scheduled by MAP, in either the morning or the afternoon. The evening is free.

DAY 4: General dress rehearsal in Carnegie Hall with soloists, chorus, and orchestra; concert; and post-concert cruise

around the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan with music, dancing, dinner, and two drinks provided.

DAY 5: Departure

CONCERT DRESS: THAT WHICH YOU WEAR IN YOUR HOME LOCATION

THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY. SPECIFIC EVENT TIMES DURING YOUR RESIDENCY WILL BE ANNOUNCED 90-100

DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL. *Transportation to and from the Spirit Cruise is not included.

The following are suggestions for activities you may want to plan on your own in your free time

(and their approximate costs):

Lincoln Center Tour ($20, $18) Reservation 3 weeks prior; special prices available for MidAmerica groups

of 15 or more. http://new.lincolncenter.org/live (212) 875-5350

Broadway shows (ticket prices vary by show and date): www.broadway.com (800) BROADWAY

Rockefeller Center/Radio City/NBC Studios: www.rockefellercenter.com (212) 322-6868

Metropolitan Opera Company (ticket prices vary) www.metoperafamily.org (212) 362-6000

New York Philharmonic (ticket prices vary) http://nyphil.org (212) 875-5656

Metropolitan Museum of Art ($25, $12 recommended donation): www.metmuseum.org (212) 535-7710

Guggenheim Museum ($25, $18) and Guggenheim SoHo (free): www.guggenheim.org (212) 423-3500

Museum of Modern Art ($25): www.moma.org (212) 708-9400

American Museum of Natural History ($22 suggested donation): www.amnh.org (212) 769-5100

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ($18, $14 senior, $9 children): www.statuecruises.com (212) 269-5755

WTC/Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial (General admission $24, $18 senior, $15 children) www.911memorial.org (212) 266-5200

Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum ($26, $20) www.intrepidmuseum.org (877) 957-7447

Bus Tours: Gray Line www.newyorksightseeing.com (212) 445-0848

City Sights NY www.citysightsny.com (212) 812-2700.

And, of course, you can walk along Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and Central Park; visit Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village,

SoHo, Wall Street, Battery Park, and nearby South Street Seaport. This is but a tiny sampling of things to do in the Big Apple!

Check out the fabulous New York Convention and Visitors Bureau website (www.nycgo.com) for the most comprehensive and

up-to-date information about New York City sites and events, including maps and useful links.

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 13

MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS

Midtown Manhattan Suggested Hotels

All of the below facilities are in the vicinity of “Midtown” which runs from 34th Street (Herald Square) through Times

Square (42nd Street) up to Central Park South (59th Street).

New York Barclay InterContinental(4-star) 111 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/overview/nycha

Hilton Hotel New York (4-star) 1335 Avenue of the Americas at 54th Street, New York. NY 10019

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/NYCNHHH-Hilton-New-York-New-York/index

Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers (4-star)

811 7th Avenue at 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019 http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview

Weston New York (at Times Square) (3-star) 270 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036

http://www.westinny.com/

Warwick Hotel (4-star) 65 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019

http://warwickhotelny.com/

Wingate (by Wyndham) (3-star) 235 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001

http://www.wingatehotelnyc.com/

Double Tree (by Hilton) (4-star) 1568 Broadway at 47th Street, New York, NY 10036

http://doubletree1.hilton.com

Best Western Plus (at Times Square) (4-star) 234 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/US/NY/New-York-hotels

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 14

MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS – suggested NYC hotels (cont.)

Millennium Broadway Hotel (Times Square) (4-star)

145 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036 http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumnewyork

Hampton Inn Manhattan – Times Square North (3-star)

851 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10019 http://hamptoninn.hilton.com

New York Marriott Marquis (4-star) 1535 Broadway at 45th Street,· New York, NY 10036

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycmq-new-york-marriott-marquis/

Courtyard (by Marriott) (4-star) 866 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10022

http://www.marriott.com/hotels

Holiday Inn Express – Times Square (3-star)

343 West 39th Street, New York, NY 10018 http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/new-york-city/nycws

Wellington Hotel (3-star)

871 7th Avenue at 55th Street, New York, NY 10019 http://www.wellingtonhotel.com

Comfort Inn – Mid Town West (2-star) 442 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018

http://www.comfortnyc.com/

Comfort Inn – Times Square (South) (2-star)

305 West 39th Street, New York, NY 10018 http://www.comfortnyc.com

Milford Plaza New York (2-star) 700 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10036

http://www.milfordplaza.com

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 15

Important Funding Information For Ensembles Seeking Financial Assistance

Given your desire to perform in the most important concert hall in the world, one of the hurdles for

most ensembles is the issue of fundraising. We often get asked what advice do we have, so, in this

regard, we are offering the information below to those who wish to gain some added direction and

ideas.

In order to make a Carnegie Hall concert appearance a reality for you and your performers, we would like to

share with you some of the most successful fund raising projects that participants have found effective. This

might be a useful starting point for you to find your own successful path to make this undertaking a reality.

First Step: Determine how much money you actually need to raise. If you ask the participants how much as an

individual they are willing to commit towards the total cost of the trip, you can then determine how much is

left to fundraise. Typically, some individuals can write a check for the entire amount, some will need some

form of assistance, and a few may be unable to make any financial contribution. In determining these costs

the first choice is, what type of land package and there are two for 2019: $1499 and $899. Read carefully

what these two residency options include.

In meeting with their ensembles, directors often ask for volunteers who would be willing to organize the fund

raising projects, collect the money, send payments, etc. Having just a couple of very supportive individuals

who volunteer to “take charge” can yield amazing results.

Here are some popular fund raising ideas, submitted to us by directors who have come on our series which

we are pleased to pass on to you:

** Hold a Raffle: “We held a raffle for a trip to New York for two people (MidAmerica Land Package +

transportation) to go with the group to New York and participate in the “behind-the-scenes” preparation for a

Carnegie Hall concert; including rehearsals, a performance ticket, post-concert cruise, etc. We sold the tickets

for $5: $2 per ticket went towards the cost of the two MidAmerica packages, and $3 went into the individual's

account (who sold the ticket). We set a minimum of 1,200, enough to pay for the two trips, and a maximum of

1,400 tickets... to keep the odds at a minimum. When we reached 1,400

we held the drawing. There was great interest and excitement to have another raffle, but by the time of the

drawing, we no longer needed the funds because all of our money had been raised. I have shared this with

other directors and several of them have sold the tickets for $10, with a higher percentage going towards the

individual. It's up to you.” (Please check with your local officials regarding applicable laws in your state

governing raffles.)

** Write Letters: Some directors have suggested that their participants, including students and many adults,

write letters (handwritten and personalized) to their grandparents, aunts and uncles, close family friends, god-

parents, etc., telling them they had opened a savings account called the “Carnegie Hall" account and were

requesting a donation rather than any gifts for such occasions as birthdays, Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s

Day, etc. There have been many occasions of students’ grandparents writing a check for the entire amount and

also ultimately travelling to New York to attend the concert.

In addition to an appeal to family members, individual performers have found success in writing letters to and

making personal appearances at their churches, church choir, church social organization, civic organizations,

neighborhood businesses, (especially the ones frequented by themselves, e.g., grocery store, drycleaners,

service station, etc.), requesting donations ranging from $25-$150 and up.

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 16

** Unusual Business Endorsements: As an example, one past choral participant owned a car wash business and

offered to donate one day's profit if the choir members would promote and pre-sell the tickets. The group sent

out notices to the media because they thought this was a great idea and something very unusual, which led to a

story by the local paper on the owner and the ensemble’s trip to New York to sing in Carnegie Hall. At the end of

the story they included information on how the general public could find out more about the ensemble and

make a contribution. This prompted several non- affiliated people to send in checks; the newspaper made a

contribution as well. The business owner and ensemble also benefitted from the publicity. Additionally, other

participants were inspired to be creative and explore what other unusual means could be used to raise funds,

with some eventually incorporating their own work or business to fundraise.

Another example: Several singers who were in retail sales offered to pay a “finder’s fee” into the Carnegie Hal

fund for any referrals generated from within the group. This led to many people referring new business to

insurance agents, real estate agents, department store clerks, dry-cleaners, etc.

** "Change" for the Better: Take an empty bottle-water jug, (the big 5-gallon size used in offices), and put a sign

on it letting people know you’re raising money in order to perform in New York City. Have it available for people

to drop in their loose change and watch it grow. It’s really amazing how quickly change adds up.

** "Not Your Ordinary Dinner Party": In one group, several individuals sent out invitations to their friends and

neighbors inviting them to a "Not Your Ordinary Dinner Party". Each host had their own special cuisine offering.

In the invitation, it was announced that the hosts were raising funds for themselves to go to New York to sing in

the world-famous hall, and asked that each of their guests that evening make a donation toward the trip in the

amount the guest would have normally spent if they had gone out for a nice dinner and an evening on the town.

For some of the hosts, this brought in some significant funds. Even a few friends and neighbors who couldn’t

attend sent money anyway because they thought it was for such a worthy cause.

** A Rummage Sale On A Grand Scale: Everyone is familiar with rummage sales. A combined, multi- participant

yard/garage sale can accomplish several simultaneous goals: to get people working together on a fun project for

the common cause; to clean out garages, attics, storage rooms, etc.; and, of course, to raise money.

** Unsolicited Donations: “Angels” and anonymous donors sometimes emerge after a group receives some

publicity about their plans to perform at venerated Carnegie Hall or prestigious Lincoln Center.

We hope these ideas inspire you. You may decide to pick two or three group fundraisers that would earn big

money, be unusual, get media and community attention, and benefit all who participated. You might discover

that some people are very motivated to raise quite a bit in one fundraiser, while someone else might be excited

about a different event and raise their money by that means.

It’s hard work, but it can be fun, especially if the goal is to not leave behind anyone who truly wants to go and

who works hard to make that happen.

We still receive calls and emails from participants who came to Carnegie Hall through MidAmerica over the past

35 years; in fact, we now have many directors bringing groups who came themselves as students and who

now want to introduce a new generation to the incomparable experience of performing in the world’s most

storied concert hall. They stress repeatedly what a difference performing in Carnegie Hall has made in their

lives. This is why we do what we do. We hope that you and your musicians may have that experience.

Subject to change without notice; Published on January 30, 2018 17

In the words of one past participant, “In the end, not one individual, who truly desired and worked to go to New

York, was denied the opportunity. For everyone, it was an experience of a lifetime, and for many, it was a life-

changing event.”

In addition to the above ideas, here are a few helpful fundraising web sites:

http://www.fundraisersuperstore.com/

https://doublethedonation.com/fundraising-ideas-for-schools/#dorm

http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/programs/school-fundraising-ideas/

http://www.signupgenius.com/school/school-fundraising-ideas.cfm

http://www.better-fundraising-ideas.com/school-fundraising.html

http://www.school-fundraisers.com/

http://www.abcfundraising.com/fundraising/church-fundraiser.htm

http://charity.lovetoknow.com/Church_Fund_Raising

Please let us know if we can help or support you in any way.