Mission Statement
Aristotle Wind Ensemble (AWE) will be a pillar of diversity and inclusivity, performing cultural works from all over the world that truly represent the diversity of New York City. These performances will not only be in the concert hall, but will be taken out of their "natural" setting into spaces and areas relative to the program's theme or topic. This will not only reach out to a wider audience, but will bring cutting edge music into underserved communities that may not have regular opportunities to see such amazing musicianship in their own neighborhood.
AWE will also pride itself in employing a diverse collective of local musicians to support local artists and commission works from local, American, and international composers to provide an outlet to create advanced works to be performed at a professional level. Finally, we will partner with other local organizations, both artistic and otherwise, to offer a platform for visibility to help raise awareness for their causes by bringing them in to participate with various concerts throughout the year.
AWE will be a beacon of contemporary American culture which has roots centuries old that are grounded in every corner of the world. We will come together to celebrate diversity, musicianship, and inclusiveness, for; "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." - Aristotle #liveinawe
Short-Term Goals
I am very excited to announce that I have officially been Fiscally Sponsored by Fractured Atlas, as of December 12th, 2022. Which means 2 great things, 1) I can start taking donations to get this project off the ground and 2) you can write some or all of them off on your taxes.
It has been my dream to have my own ensemble in New York City to truly celebrate the diversity here, but to also bring more attention to true wind ensemble repertoire through a professional lens not attached to the military or academia. With that I bring you the Aristotle Wind Ensemble.
My first goal is to raise enough money to produce an audio and video recording in the next 3-4 months to use for publicity to raise more funding to have an official Gala in the fall of 2023. This Gala will serve as the first official concert for the organization and the kickoff to its first official season, hopefully of many to come.
Long-term goals
Over the next ten years I hope to be unionized and commissioning new works from up and coming composers from all over the globe. Additionally, I have researched enough music for 9-10 concert programs per year, for 8-10 years and as new music is composed the longer that list will last.
A few specific plans in the long term
One year plan;
Within the first year I plan on applying for and securing 501(c)(3) status for the AWE. I would like to look into the possibility of unionizing both the organization and the musicians we hire, so that they can accrue days toward their insurance with a goal of unionization by the 2024-2025 season.
2-3 year Plan;
At this point I would like to raise the compensation for all musicians, if possible and I am hoping to be securely running as a full-fledged 501(c)(3). I will be looking more to corporate donors, while maintaining current donors and researching the possibility of sponsorships from vendors and venues. I would also like to add one performance to each concert program to 2 performances each, pending finances.
3-5 Year Plan;
By the time we arrive at the three-year marker we will have the identity of the group mostly secured in the cultural society that is New York City. At this point I will start inviting in more soloists, guest artists such as dancers and performance artists, and guest conductors regularly. Taking some of the performance responsibility off of me and allowing me to search out other options to advance the group even further.
5-10 Year Plan;
During this time I would be seeking out opportunities to join with a larger organization for full time sponsorship to secure a home for AWE. Having the stability of knowing exactly where we are going to be every month would take much strain off of the logistical side of the organization and would be cost effective when it comes to equipment rental. With this I would like to expand, and cap, the number of performances each month to 4. Ideally a Thursday through Sunday run, with 2-3 in our home venue, and 1-2 as runout concerts elsewhere.
Do I still have your Attention?
Good!
If you would like to support my 90 day startup Fundraising Campaign⍭, CLICK HERE
If you would like to become a long-term donor and would like to be able to set up a monthly donation of General Support⍭⍭, CLICK HERE
*If you are interested in being a Major Gift Contributor, please reach out to me through my contact page and I can direct you accordingly.
⍭Aristotle Wind Ensemble is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Aristotle Wind Ensemble must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” only. The value of Album Downloads, T-Shirts, and Concert Tickets is dependent on donor level chosen. Any contribution above that amount is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Please review individual donor levels for exact tax-deductible donation.
⍭⍭Aristotle Wind Ensemble is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Aristotle Wind Ensemble must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.