January 18, 2024

Local Non-Profit Donates Upright Bass to Enrich Clinton Community School District Orchestra Program

"The Clinton Fine Arts Association's Gift Enhances Music Education Opportunities"

Clinton, Iowa - January 18, 2024 - The Clinton Fine Arts Association, a dedicated supporter of the arts in our community, is proud to announce the donation of an upright bass to the Clinton Community School District Orchestra Program. This generous gift underscores the organization's commitment to fostering musical talent and enriching the lives of local students.

In an effort to enhance the music education experience for students in the Clinton Community School District, The Clinton Fine Arts Association has donated a high-quality upright bass to the school's orchestra program. This instrument will provide aspiring young musicians with the opportunity to explore and excel in the world of classical and orchestral music.

The upright bass is a fundamental component of any orchestra, and its addition to the program will expand the range of musical possibilities for the students. This generous donation will enable students to hone their skills, learn to appreciate classical music, and participate in memorable performances throughout the school year.

Chris Whipple, President of The Clinton Fine Arts Association, expressed her enthusiasm for this meaningful contribution, stating, "We believe in the power of music education to inspire creativity, discipline, and teamwork among our youth. Our donation of this upright bass is a testament to our commitment to supporting the arts in our community and providing students with opportunities to explore their musical talents."

"The addition of this upright bass is a wonderful development for our orchestra," said David Rosales, Director of the Orchestra Program for the Clinton Middle School and High School. "It will undoubtedly enhance our students' learning experience and contribute to the overall musical growth of our program."

The Clinton Fine Arts Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and nurturing the arts in the Clinton community. With a mission to provide access to the arts for all residents, the association sponsors various cultural events, educational programs, and initiatives to support local artists and arts education.

For more information about The Clinton Fine Arts Association and its initiatives, please visit www.clintonfinearts.org or contact CFAA with an email: info@clintonfinearts.org.

The Clinton Fine Arts Association, established in 2013, is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of Clinton, Iowa, by providing opportunities for residents of all ages to engage with the arts. Through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and scholarships, the association promotes artistic expression and appreciation within the community.

CFAA Receives over $35,000 in Grant Funding For School Instrument Project

The latest CFAA project tackles the much needed update of school provided instruments for the Clinton Middle School and High School band programs.

A presentation was made at a recent CFAA board meeting by Justin Soenksen, High School Percussion Instructor and Volunteer CFAA Board Member describing the poor condition of many of the school instruments used by students when traveling to compete at contests and/or are trying out for all state group. Pictures were showed during the presentation of broken instruments some actually being held together by duct tape. The need for replacement instruments was obvious.

Because of the high price of many of the instruments needed, it was determined that, to provide both the Middle School and the High School with everything that needed to be replaced, it would require an investment of close to $300,000.00. Since such a large investment was needed, this project was split into multiple phases with smaller campaigns. This would make the fund raising efforts more attainable with each phase attempting to raise a portion of what was needed during each campaign cycle.

Along with the grant money received, additional funds were donated to the project from the Clinton School District itself and from the  Clinton Band Booster Organization. After the first phase campaign was completed a total of over $71,000.00 was raised. A tremendous effort from all of those involved.

Even though the first phase goal came in a little short of the goal that was set enthusiasm is still high and everyone involved is still highly motivated to push forward with future phases of the project in order to get our students the instruments they need.

If you would like to help with the fund raising efforts you can make a tax deductible donation by sending a check to CFAA - PO Box 633 - Clinton, IA 52733 or by making an online donation by clicking here.