Fenton, MI — May 8, 2019
The Fenton Community Orchestra (FCO) recently announced it has received a $30,000 matching grant from the Greater Flint Arts Council through the Share Art Genesee Program. These funds will support the mission and services of FCO.
FCO is currently in the midst of a merger with the Prelude String Orchestra (PSO), the youth orchestra in our community. The merger is expected to be completed in July of 2019. This merger will broaden FCO’s mission to provide educational opportunities to K-8 students interested in learning and playing string instruments like the violin, viola, and cello. The grant will support FCO’s various offerings such as FCO Simply Strings, PSO youth orchestra, the Community Orchestra and special summer programs for all musicians. While also benefiting the community with local entertainment including community orchestra concerts and performances at local events, churches, schools, and senior homes.
Fenton Community Orchestra Financial Support
The FCO is also supported by a grant from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts, local business and community organizations, and our generous donors.
“The Share Art Genesee grant opens doors to many opportunities that will help FCO expand the diversity and scope of our programs while promoting music in our community,” said Tetyana Clarke, FCO Operations Coordinator. “This grant enhances FCO’s ability to implement entertainment and educational music programming for the upcoming season that will engage a wide range of audiences and musicians of all ages.”
Share Art Genesee Grant is contingent on Greater Flint Arts Council receiving funds from the Flint Cultural Center Foundation, fiduciary for the Genesee County Arts and Cultural Millage. The grant was reviewed by peer panels for each grant program, selected based on professional qualifications, broad-based knowledge of arts disciplines, and geographic representation.
About the Fenton Community Orchestra
The FCO is a community-supported performing arts organization that provides a place for musicians of all ages to connect through music by offering an educational and entertaining music program for its members and audiences. The FCO is under the artistic direction of Mr. Andrew Perkins, Director of Instrumental Music for Fenton Area Public Schools and governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. The FCO is a 501c3 non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. To make a donation and learn more about the Fenton Community Orchestra, visit: www.fentoncommunityorchestra.org
About the Greater Flint Arts Council – Share Art Genesee Grant
The GFAC is providing these grants in Genesee County to build the capacity of local arts organizations to reach their potential in transforming our communities into vibrant, inclusive destinations with a unique sense of place. The arts can build a sense of community through shared experiences, improve the quality of our lives by providing outlets for the creativity inherent in all of us, and stimulate economic development by attracting visitors to our community. To learn more about Share Art Genesee, visit: www.shareartgenesee.org
