Holiday Outreach 2007

SHARE THE JOY OF MUSIC WITH STUDENTS
ON JOHNS AND WADMALAW ISLANDS
AND THROUGHOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY
WITH A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT TO THE
CHARLESTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

You have all been very generous over the years in reaching out to help the school children on Johns Island. We come to you this year with a different request as you prepare to make your year-end charitable contributions -- to help introduce these students and other children in our community to live instrumental music through music lessons, workshops, concerts, and orchestral performances through the educational outreach programs of the CSO.

Many of you have read that the Charleston Symphony Orchestra is facing a serious financial crisis and, unless large sums of money are raised by January, it may be forced to close its doors. Major efforts are underway to seek contributions from corporate sponsors, foundations, and individual patrons to secure a three-year endowment.

What most of us don't realize, however, is what an extensive Music Education Program the CSO offers to thousands of children throughout the Lowcountry. With school budgets for music classes at a bare minimum, it's especially important that these CSO outreach programs continue.

So far this year, the CSO's In-School Ensembles featuring string, woodwind, brass and percussion have visited 46 schools in the tri-county area. Not only did they perform for the students, but they also gave them lessons as the children themselves learned to play the instruments. Some 6,600 children will also attend a Young People's Concert in January, including the children at Mt. Zion's Elementary School on River Road. It is our sincere wish that other elementary, middle and high school students on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands can share these experiences, as well as other children throughout the Lowcountry.

Please help us support the CSO Music Educational Programs and ensure the future of great music for countless generations to come. Make your tax-deductible gift to the "Charleston Symphony Orchestra" and mail your check to the address below or go online to www.charlestonsymphony.com and click on "donate" to pay by credit card. Either way, please indicate that your gift is to be used for the "Outreach Programs."

        Charleston Symphony Orchestra
        PO Box 20397
        Charleston, SC 29413

We thank you again for your generous spirit this holiday season. Sincere wishes for a very happy and healthy new year. Best regards,

                           Harriet and Linda Ripinsky