Finding a sponsor for a Sounds of Sousa Band concert cannot be overemphasized. One of the most important responsibilities of the presenter is to find sponsors. Contact newspapers, television stations, and other media for their support. Consider financial institutions, car dealership, or major corporates in your community.
Forming a committee to oversee bringing Sounds of Sousa Band to your community. It is impossible, and unfair, to assume that one person can coordinate the necessary efforts to bring off a successful concert. Form a committee, including local media, corporate and business executives, civic and social leaders, as well as local band directors and school music teachers. Not only will these people help get the job done, but they will also help get the word out to others.
American Federation of Musicians - Music Performance Trust - check with your local AFM to see how your concert matches the guidelines for MPF (formerly Music Performance Trust funding). These funds are usually matching Music Performance Funds. The Sounds of Sousa Band musicians are geographically based with the Akron Local (24) and Cleveland Local (4). Funds are made available, through request, to local organizations to present "live music" for their communities. While some restrictions apply, funding usually covers between 15 and 20% of the cost of bringing the ensemble to your venue. Preplanning is essential. American Federation of Musicians - Local 24 (Akron, Ohio) - for more information on Local 24, please access their website: Akron Federation of Musicians.
American Federation of Musicians - Local 4 (Cleveland, Ohio) - for more infomation on Local 4, please access their website: Cleveland Federation of Musicians. If you are uncertain in which AFM Local you reside, follow the directions on the AFM Link: find a local AFM near me! Heatland Arts Fund is a joint venture of Arts Midwest and Mid-America Arts Alliance, and was created by combining the artistic and financial resources of Arts Midwest and Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts and the 15 state arts agencies (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota,Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin) to enhance community cultural life and increase public participation in the arts.Heartland Arts FundFunding options depend upon requirements for grants requested. It should be understood that this funding option is usually available for presenters who do not live in Ohio and desire to bring Marcus Neiman, and/or The Sounds of Sousa Band to their venue.
Ohio Arts Presenters Network - formed in 1960, is a professional association that provides a forum for developing business relationships, partnerships, and cooperative ventures among performing artists, presenters, and booking agencies, as well as easy access to information on presenting organizations and performing artists. Contact the OAC for further information. Ohio Arts Presenters Network