Something to sing about: Sandy musicians receive funding grant
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The musicians of the American West Symphony, based in Sandy, received good news this holiday season when they learned that the nonprofit arts organization would receive a state-funding grant. Photo courtesy of Maurice Wells
Just in time for the holidays, the Orchestra and Chorus of Sandy was recently granted a gift to help ensure it could make music all year long.
The Utah Division of Arts and Museums announced on Dec. 6 that the local, all volunteer symphony group would receive a $2,000 grant to support and build the organization.
Utah Division of Arts and Museums Communications Director Wendi Hassan said the state grant is meant to strengthen community organizations with an arts-related mission. She said the funding is awarded to museums and arts groups that have demonstrated need and are running a worthy public program.
“Most apply for as much money [each year] as they can. It’s a competitive process,” Hassan said.
Utah Arts Council board members and a panel of peers from the arts community review applications for the grants each year. To receive a grant, local arts organizations must meet a set of criteria that includes artistic merit, sound management practices and community involvement.
The grant money comes with restrictions on how it may be used by arts organization staff.
For example, the funding may not used to purchase new items for museum collections, for general operating costs, to pay salaries or lobbying expenses, or any other administrative costs.
Funding is made available for use at the beginning of the fiscal year beginning next summer.
The Orchestra and Chorus of Sandy, also known as American West Symphony, was founded in 1988 by volunteer musicians who wanted to share their love of the art-form and inspire an appreciation for music in local youth.
Currently in its 22nd year, the nonprofit music organization relies on contributions and donations from supporters in the local community to fund their activities.
Each year the symphony performs no less than 14 concerts at venues throughout the Salt Lake Valley. The group has performed concerts at Libby Gardner Hall, the Assembly Hall in Temple Square and the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
Locally, American West Symphony concerts are performed at the Sandy Amphitheater and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Most recently, American West Symphony performed a holiday concert to welcome in the Christmas season.
On Dec. 9 and 10, the symphony premiered a Winter Nocturne composed by accomplished local musician and director Cliff Milward.
The concert, which also featured a special Christmas concerto, was performed locally at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (8600 South 700 East).
American West Symphony spokesperson Maurice Wells said the holiday concert was part of a long-standing Christmas-time musical tradition in Sandy.
For more information about American West Symphony, including an upcoming concert schedule, visit the website at www.americanwestsymphony.org.
