Time for you to talk to us

[getclosertothemusic]

Alright Rockpage Faithful

It's time to talk to us! There's not alot been said on this forum other than our topics we put on and we want to know.

What do you have to say about our Organization?

Do you think it's a worthy cause?

Suggestions?

Do's, Don'ts, Maybies?

Please tell us what you think!

Were getting ready for our 2nd annual Music Festival/Workshop at the end of April and we want to get people involved.

If your Band would like to do a set for our cause, hang out and chat music with kids and other musicians.

Contact us at www.getclosertothemusic.org
or PM us at our rockpage address.

[red]

I think your organization is great! If we can help let us know!

[getclosertothemusic]

105 views and only (1) reply ???

And Thank You Red for that, and yes we would love to have you guys we will let you know more details to come...

Come on people...

[The Face in the Face]

i don't know anything about you or heard any results, but I did hear when you were coming to the area for something. was it a success? did people actually come out? if so, awesome.

[HurricaneBob]

Thanks for the Xmas card! Hope you 2 have a great holiday and make some kids very happy with a musical instrement. Let us know when the next one is and we will help anyway we can.

[getclosertothemusic]

Coming to the area??? We are based in the local area!! (Altoona) Wanna know what we are all about? visit our website, there are pictures and info bout the workshop we had back in July. There is alot of info about what we are doing. We can use the help of the local musicians, as many as possible. This year we are changing things around for the annual event. Keep in "tune" with the website for more details as well as on here, we will do a post as to the details, when everything is finalized.
As for the turnout of the workshop, it was not as good as we had wanted it to be, however, it was a good turnout and we had alot of participation of kids, one was featured on the channel 6 news that night. This year we are expecting more of a turnout because of the changes we are making. We are hoping that the bands will step up and help out.



Bobby,

Thank you so much for attending last year and we can't wait till the next one, we look forward to you, Felix and Jeff being there again this year. Have a wonderful holiday!!!!!!!



Cathy
Get Closer To The Music

[Jim Price]

I think Get Closer To The Music is a worthy and needed cause, especially given the way some schools are phasing out music programs.

With any organization or cause, it takes some time to establish your name and profile, and to inform people of who you are and what you are about. As 'Get Closer' puts more workshops, clinics, and other events together, the organization can continue to build exposure and profile, so more people know about it and what it does.

I think the workshops during the fall and spring (during the school year itself) are a good idea, because there is less competition from outdoor activities than during the summer, and parents and kids might be more inclined to try it out then.

Definitely keep putting the word out about the organization, and publicize your events. Perhaps start an email or mailing list of those who attend your events and send out updates every so often.

Another idea - I know that Music Emporium and Ford Music do clinics from time to time, bringing in established music names to demonstrate instruments and discuss their careers. Perhaps 'Get Closer' could coordinate with these stores to put together a few clinics.

I'll be glad to help get the word out on any future 'Get Closer' events.

[tonefight]

I would say fall would be the best time if you are looking for a good turnout, when I was giving lessons the first sunny days in spring showed alot of no shows even though they were paying by the month and were losing out.

I think the organization is a great idea and I'm sure you have a battle on your hands to get the funding and support needed to make it work.

I know you're trying to get instruments for kids who can't afford them, thats going to be tough to get enough instruments for every kid that is interested so make sure you have an income guidline of some sort to prevent abuse ( sometimes people with money are cheaper than those without ) When a kid is interested is it possible to have a fundraiser ( Sheetz coupons, Sub sells, baked goods etc ) ? Let them sell something and earn it this will also teach 'em other values. Then when they've raised a little dough simply work with a music store or find a decent used instrument for them. Something along this line may take some financial burden off the organization then the money can be used for a lesson area or something.

More importantly that getting the instuments is teaching the kids, lessons are probably more difficult for parents to pay for than instuments. If a kid wants an instument a parent will have an easier time getting them a $150 dollar instrument for christmas than they will paying for 2 years of guitar lessons at $40 -$50 a month ( 50 x 12 = hold on gotta take my shoes off ........... $600 !!!!! )

OK, I'll shut up now but hey you asked for my opinion.

And when a date is set I can check Never Enough's availability and possibly help out.

Take care and keep plugging away remember ........ sucess is 1% inspiration and 99% persiration.......... ( He, He, stole that from your website )

[getclosertothemusic]

Thank You J.P. for helping us out when we need it,
and that you will help in any possible way.
Ideas were great, we apperciate it.

And yes, Tony We asked lololol Thats what we are looking for!
Thank You also for be supportive and the ideas.
All of them are great ones.
We will be in touch.

We concidered spring because we are tring to get schools involed more with this one, possibly with the music teachers help.
An incentive to add extra credit to their grades for music class or band.
To get the kids there for more participation.

We want to hear things like these, thats what help us be better.

Ed Murvine
Get Closer To The Music

[Jim Price]

Ed and Cathy, another suggestion...

Have you looked into VH1's Save The Music Foundation yet? This nonprofit organization is VH1's effort to provide instruments to city public school systems and help kids become introduced to music and instruments. Here is their website:

http://www.vh1.com/partners/save_the_music/

Crowbar in State College just hosted "Savin' Sanity," a benefit for the Save The Music Foundation a few weeks ago.

It's possible that the Save The Music Foundation might have some resources to help Get Closer with its efforts, and you might also be able to affiliate with Save The Music. It might be worth looking into.

[getclosertothemusic]

Hey Jim,

Thanks for the suggestion, I have been in touch with VH1 Save the Music Project for a few months now and we are waiting for a response from them. Waiting is the hardest part of it all!!! Hopefully we will hear from them soon. Thanks

Cathy