BOA Alumni 1.25 Million Campaign

Dear BOA Alumni, Parents, Teachers, Family & Friends:

I am pleased to inform you that in 81 days Music for All's BOA family successfully raised $250,686. Gifts received prior to the close of the fiscal year (February 28, 2009) totaled $249,166. All of the donations received before the end of the fiscal year have been allocated to reducing the organization's projected year-end deficit. All donations received after February 28, 2009 are being allocated to the current year's annual fund.

As we bring this campaign to a close, there are numerous people that I want to thank. I must start with thanking my tireless staff for staying committed during this time of unrest. To all the BOA alumni that held fundraising drives, reached out on our behalf and/or shared heartfelt testimonials of the joy that BOA has provided to them, thank you for your generosity and for making me smile (and often cry). To the parents of the 1.25 million BOA Alumni, thank you for your financial support and for teaching me that the impact of BOA resonates for generations.

To Marty Albertson and Guitar Center, thank you for your final week challenge. To Mary Luehrsen at NAMM. To the Feldstein family, thank you for providing the last $30,000 gift. I am fortunate to have a board of directors that is committed, patient and generous; thank you Music for All Board of Directors. Finally, to the educators that are at the heart of all that we represent. If not for your leadership and commitment, there would not be a reason for us to exist.

Please continue to visit this website for updates on Music for All's progression to organizational solvency. In the mean time, perhaps we will see you at the upcoming Music for All National Festival or Summer Symposium 2009. Either way, let's celebrate this victory!

Gratefully,

L. Scott McCormick
President and CEO

Now Serving a Second Generation of Alumni

Over thirty years ago an organization called Marching Bands of America (MBA) was established to unify the high school marching band activity. In 1984, that same organization became a not-for-profit called Bands of America (BOA) and expanded its reach to musicians in all instrumental genres. For the next twenty-two years BOA provided educational and performance opportunities to more than 1.25 million student musicians. In 2006, BOA merged with the Music for All Foundation to become Music for All (MFA) and expanded its mission to include advocacy. Today, the organization serves hundreds of thousands of students and educators through its programming and influence on public policies to support music education in public schools.

Like our name suggests, Music for All is for the artist, educator and fan. We are an organization that promotes creativity and expression through music, bringing joy to the artist and listener alike.

Reach out to every person you know who cannot imagine their life without music. Encourage them to invest in the music makers and leaders of tomorrow. We know we can achieve this goal and together we will be successful. Imagine if each of you gave just $10. Use your favorite social network to tell just ten friends to give. It is that simple to keep the legacy alive!

Here's how it works:

Go to the Donations tab above or click here to make your donation online and choose your school from the drop down menu on the donation form. If your school is not in the drop down menu, you will have the opportunity to add it. Or make your donation offline - download and print the donation form and return to Music for All.
Tell your friends through your social network(s) (Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, etc.). Encourage your network of friends, other alumni and parents to donate on behalf of your band program.
Watch your high school's presence on the BOA letter jacket increase up through February 28, 2009. Beginning at the "Finals" level, a percentage of all contributions generated on behalf of your band program will be donated back to your high school band.
- Finals $1000 - 2999: 3%
- Bands of America $3000 - 4999: 5% and recognized as a "Founding Alumni Chapter School" on a wall in the Music for All headquarters.
- Star $5000 and greater: 10%
Find and mouseover your high school patch on the BOA Alumni Letter Jacket page to see who has donated to your cause.