KENTUCKIANA ASSOCIATION OF MUSICIANS AND SINGERS

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Dear KAMS Community

2019 was a pivotal year for KAMS. We saw tremendous growth in our group lessons program,

which we now offer in 10 different subjects. We held numerous concerts, recorded original songs,

and loaned nearly 100 instruments to our students and orchestra members.

Donations for 2019 were more than double those from 2018, which was the first full year of

KAMS operations. The increase in number of classes contributed to the increase in donations,

and we worked on several fundraisers. We work very hard to keep administrative costs low so

that we can dedicate as much income as possible to our programs. Our administrative staff is all

volunteer, which allows us to use nearly 95% of our income to provide services to our musical

community.

We constantly strive to refine our offerings, tailoring them to newly discovered and changing

needs of the community. With the help of our generous donors and partnerships, our reach is

growing rapidly. We would like to sincerely thank all of our donors, many of whom are the stu-

dents who we serve. We are especially thankful for the organizations who support us and our

mission. In 2019, through a grant from the New Albany chapter of Tri Kappa and because of

partnerships with the Floyd County Library, Cardinal Ritter House and Halo Group, we were able

to better serve our community. By working together, we continue to create musical opportunities

for all.

Our mission is to make music accessible to everyone by providing the opportunity to learn, play,

and grow musically, enriching the lives of those we serve, and the greater community. We con-

tinue to make this our driving force, and look forward to the opportunities we find in the years to

come.

Our vision for 2020 is to continue to maintain flexibility and continue to look for new ways to help

our local musicians and future musicians. We are working to establish a community music cen-

ter to hold lessons and gatherings, and to increase the accessibility of music to the people in our

area. We can only do this with the help of you, our community. If you would like to get involved

as a donor or volunteer, you can find information on how to do so at gokams.org or you can con-

tact us at info@gokams.org.

Thank you all for your continued support!

Kentuckiana Association of Musicians and Singers

Revenues

2019 Revenue

Cash Donations $21,280.57

In-Kind Donations $12,301.29

Performance Revenue $ 600.00

Sponsorship Revenue $ 25.00

Grant Revenue $ 300.00

Fundraising Revenue $ 888.88

Sale of Equipment $ 1,099.00

Total Revenue $36,494.74

2018 Revenue

Cash Donations $10,426.81

In-Kind Donations $ 7,017.21

Performance Revenue $ 1,205.67

Sponsorship Revenue $ 50.00

Grant Revenue $ 0.00

Fundraising Revenue $ 0.00

Sale of Equipment $ 0.00

Total Revenue $18,699.69

2018 Expenses

2018 Expense Depreciation Expense $ -

Facility Rental Expense $ 1,430.00

Paypal Charges $ 50.39

Instrument Expense $ 3,752.09

Instrument Repair and Maintenance Expense $ 415.90

Music Lesson Expense $ 8,688.14

Booking Agent Expense $ -

Venue Expense $ -

Performer Expense $ 1,710.00

Administrative $ 1,884.12

Total 2018 Expense $17,930.64

2019 Expenses

2019 Expense

Depreciation Expense $ 101.28

Facility Rental Expense $ 2,730.00

Paypal Charges $ 130.01

Instrument Expense $ 3,265.07

Instrument Repair and Maintenance Expense $ 201.64

Music Lesson Expense $22,936.92

Booking Agent Expense $ 505.00

Venue Expense $ 1,090.00

Performer Expense $ 745.00

Administrative $ 1,911.83

Total 2019 Expense $33,616.75

Kanetha’s Story

“My children decided they wanted to learn several instruments: guitar, drum set, violin, and pi-

ano. I checked online and called around becoming more and more dismayed at the fees for

lessons. My father taught himself how to play the piano and I have very fond memories of sit-

ting beside him at church as he showed me which keys to press and when. I happened upon

a post about KAMS and signed up. We were able to purchase 3 guitars and into all the lesson

in which my children were interested. For the three of us learning piano and two each learning

the violin and drums, the cost of each week's lessons is still less than that of a piano lesson

for just one child. the classes are flexible and the teachers are patient and kind. My father

passed away 6 years ago, I can't even put words to the emotions I went through the first time

my fingers touched the keys and then again when I reached "When the Saints Go Marching

In" in the book. These classes have meant so much to us. My daughter, the 8 year old, says

she loves the small class size in piano and dreams of becoming a great violinist. My son says

he feels happy when he plays music. We tell everyone who is interested about KAMS!”

Shellie’s Story

“KAMS is a wonderful organization and I am glad that I am a part of it. I started playing the cel-

lo in junior high school in the late 70’s and played all through high school and my first year in col-

lege. For multiple reasons I got away from my passion for music to pursue other avenues.

When Owen Heritage started the New Albany Community Orchestra I had been invited by Myra

Craig. I was terrified since I had not touched the cello for thirty years.

Two years later and not only have I found music again but my husband has started learning to

play the violin. In addition to being a member of the NACO I have played in a couple quartets,

started cello lessons and joined the Indiana University Southeast Orchestra.

KAMS has given many people in the area around Southern Indiana the opportunity to learn an instrument or revive an old relationship with their instruments. KAMS is a valuable partner in this area for musicians and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Lori’s Story

“A couple of years ago, I decided to learn to play guitar to accom-

pany myself as a vocalist. It didn’t take long to discover traditional

guitar lessons were out of my budget. As a single mom, any extra

money has always been used to allow my son opportunities to

discover and explore his talents. I resolved that formal guitar les-

sons would have to wait and decided to try and teach myself.

Just as I hit a level of frustration that made me want to quit, I

stumbled upon a social media post offering free lessons. I skepti-

cally signed up for classes while mentally trying to find the

“catch”. That was the beginning of my journey with KAMS.

What started as weekly guitar lessons in the fall of 2018, blos-

somed into keyboard, song writing, and weekly jam sessions. I’ve

performed with my guitar at a KAMS sponsored student concert

and recently recorded a demo of one of my own songs. The only

catch was stumbling into an organization that offers more oppor-

tunities than I can currently fit into my schedule. I’ve discovered

an amazing community of like minded artists teaching, learning,

and growing.

About a year in, I joined the fundraising committee so I could give

back beyond what I was able to donate financially. This taught

me more about the organization and I’ve been able to have con-

versations with men and women who’ve happened to walk by as

I’m packing my keyboard and guitar from class to class. Some

have stories just like mine, some are just curious; but, they all

agree that an organization dedicated to making sure everyone

has access to music lessons and instruments is a beneficial part

of the community. “