Pre-Incubator Program

Participant:

Program Term:

02/2012 – 1/2013 Contact:

Tracy Jacobson

Anni Hochhalter

Garrett Hudson

contact@windsync.org 908.723.2115 windsync.org

Participant Profile: “WindSync’s mission is to enrich the lives of children, families, and members of the community through innovative, interactive chamber music concerts and educational programs.”

• Initially structured through fiscal sponsorship with Fractured Atlas. • 2011 operating expenses = $18,200 • Incorporated in 02/2012 • Number of Board Members = 3 • Main challenges we faced prior to the Program:

• Developing a strong support system in the Houston community • Transitioning to a non-profit from Fiscal Sponsorship • Creating standard processes by which the organization functions • Increasing the organizations audience size and fund-raising potential

Enters the Pre-Incubator Program on Feb 2012

Outcomes Summary progress during grant term

– Salaries paid to all personnel to ensure the highest level of artistic excellence

– Free Houston community concert series established (4 concerts)

– Anti-bullying campaign launched in Houston elementary schools

– Partnerships with the First Unitarian Church on Fannin, KUHA and HSPVA strengthened

– Board procedures and interaction with the organization regulated

– National recognition received

• Grand Teton Music Festival, Artist in Residence Jackson, WY

• Winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition, Adventurous Artist Prize New York, NY

WindSync with St. John Flynn from KUHA The Ghost of Mozart: October 27th, 2012 First Unitarian Universalist Church on Fannin

Play Different Project ABOUT THE PROJECT Play Different Project is an awareness campaign about helping children learn to appreciate individual differences and unique qualities.

This project engages an even broader system of support beginning in Houston, and reaches across the United States and all over the world.

Pilot School: Crockett Elementary 12/10-14/2012

Indiegogo Fundraising Campaign

Use of Funds

Description1 Amount Type 2

The Ghost of Mozart Concert

$2634.66 Program

The Nutcracker Concert

$2,047.51 Program

Studio Rent $1,789.30 Admin.

Publicity $277.32 Admin.

Play Different Project

$750.00 Program

Totals= $7,498.79

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Awarded $7500 towards administrative and/or programmatic expenses including a part-time Executive Director, office rental fees, community programming, & music education concerts.

WindSync performing the Nutcracker The Nutcracker and other Bon Bons: December 7th, 2012 First Unitarian Universalist Church on Fannin

Financial Trend

21,698

104,270.63

130,000

250,000

500,000

-$100,000

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

2010-11 FY 2012-13 FY 2012-13(projected)

2013-14(projected)

2014-15(projected)

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Revenue Expenses Linear (Revenue) Linear (Expenses)

Keys to Success and strides made throughout the grant term

• Financial Stability

• Heavy fundraising early in the process to develop sufficient funds to free the organization from immanent financial worries and focus on achieving goals.

• Big Risk for Big Gain

• Leaving Houston for one month in order to compete in the Concert Artists Guild Competition. Because of this commitment to preparation for the competition, we were able to win a management contract including concerts internationally and a Carnegie Hall debut recital, November 19, 2014 .

• Artistic Quality Above All

• Changing personnel by hiring the most accomplished musicians available significantly increased the level of music making and elevated the artistic status of the whole organization.

Lessons Learned and challenges throughout the grant term

• 501c(3) and Visa Delays

• Working with V&E to become a 501c(3) turned out to take significantly longer than had been anticipated because of a significant number of revisions.

• After May 2012 when we had finished all of the revisions, the lawyers at V&E took an additional 2 months to submit the application

• The expectation is by February WindSync will be a 501c(3) however it is still unsure exactly when the status will be approved

• Lesson Learned: Continually follow up with lawyers in order to ensure that work is being done well and promptly

• Incorporating traditional structures and systems into an unconventional organization

Summary of Future Plans

This Season

• Henri Tomasi International competition

• Executive Director search

• Board recruitment

Future Seasons

• Houston artist collaborations (composers, choreographers, visual artists)

• Corporate/community sponsors for school appearances

• Carnegie Hall debut

• International touring (Europe, Canada, Asia)

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Haiku The arts take strong root

In Houston bud, grow and bloom

A bountiful spring

Creative souls bound

By our song and art allies

Paint this town, Houston