Is this the end of CRASHENDO!?
The not-for-profit program, which has been running for 10 years, has seen a dramatic decrease in numbers for its committee.
The downturn also saw the program’s president and secretary leave within one day.
CRASHENDO! vice president, Anne Schmidli, said the low numbers were potentially dire.
“If we can’t get the numbers by the end of the month, that’s the end of the program,” she said.
Grants to keep CRASHENDO! running have also become scarce, however help from volunteers and local op-shops have kept the program going.
CRASHENDO! is a community-initiated and operated music and social development program based on El Sistema (Venezuela) a worldwide 40-year network.
The program provides free music lessons, community orchestra, professional development, performance opportunities and unique collaborative events.
Their activities range from early years, pre-orchestral and instrumental programs, weekly youth orchestra rehearsals and a talent attraction program.
“We play a mixture of music, including classical and movie music,” Ms Schmidli said.
“We don’t charge anyone to join the program, we welcome people as they are.”
CRASHENDO! is currently looking for committee members, a president and secretary to join the program, preferably with experience in education, music or business.
Those interested can attend a meeting on Monday, January 29, at The Hub Bairnsdale from 5pm.
