The sound of music. Now that's something to be grateful for.
Yet children in underserved communities don’t always have equal access to this fundamental form of human expression. Some have never even touched an instrument or had the chance to learn how to play one.
Thankfully, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and its supporters know music’s profound power and will do what it takes to share it.
ASO's signature gala, the Opus Ball, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for its statewide music education initiatives that serve more than 30,000 children. The Opus Ball XLII, at the historic Capital Hotel on Nov. 7, will feature music by ASO musicians, a four-course dinner and a live auction. All funds will benefit programs like the Bucket Band, Violin in Your School Program, Children’s Choir and three Youth Orchestras, empowering children to find their own rhythm.
“School focus on music is continuing to decline, and the ASO is stepping up to provide critically important music education readily available to all children,” says Nick Brown, a gala chair with his wife Susan alongside Jan and Dr. Randal Hundley, as well as a member of Bank OZK’s board of directors. “Music teaches individual development and group interaction in a physically safe environment and allows struggle and mistakes in an emotionally safe environment.”
That real-world impact of ASO’s efforts echoes through the children themselves. Lindsey Cosio, ASO's event and stewardship director, recalls a heartwarming moment where a 7-year-old said that playing music makes her feel courageous. Another child said that when she moves her bow, the music just flows through her happily.
As a sponsor, Allison Pickell, an executive realtor at Coldwell Banker RPM, cherishes spending time with friends and fellow music lovers for an evening that shapes strong futures.
“Talent shouldn't depend on financial circumstances,” she says. “When you look around the room, you're seeing a community coming together to invest in the next generation of Arkansas musicians.”
For more information, visit arkansassymphony.org.
“School focus on music is continuing to decline, and the ASO is stepping up to provide critically important music education readily available to all children.”