Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony Foundation Inc. Market Research Report
Background
Overview
The Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony (AYWS) was established in 1988 as the premier honor wind ensemble for high school youth in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Its mission is to provide a positive musical experience in an artistic environment for advanced instrumentalists in wind and percussion performance. The ensemble rehearses and performs grade five and six (collegiate and professional) original wind band literature composed over a wide span of stylistic compositional periods. As an ensemble, it is one of the most visible ambassadors of culture and youth performance for Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
Mission and Vision
- Mission: To provide positive and transformative musical experiences for talented youth musicians through high-quality instruction and exceptional music-making opportunities.
- Vision: To enhance the lives of its members and the Atlanta community by promoting musical excellence, cultivating a lifelong appreciation for music, and collectively serving as a cultural ambassador and advocate throughout the United States and the world.
Industry Significance
The AYWS stands as a prominent cultural institution in Atlanta, offering advanced musical training and performance opportunities to high school students. Its engagements at esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Midwest Clinic underscore its significance in the youth music education sector.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Provide high-quality musical education and performance opportunities for advanced high school musicians.
- Foster a non-competitive, inclusive environment that nurtures artistic growth and personal development.
- Serve as a cultural ambassador for Atlanta and Georgia through public performances and collaborations.
Areas of Specialization
- Wind and percussion ensemble performance.
- Commissioning and premiering new works by renowned composers.
- Collaborations with guest artists and conductors of national renown.
Key Technologies Utilized
- Advanced musical instruments and equipment.
- Digital platforms for rehearsal coordination and performance promotion.
Primary Markets Targeted
- High school musicians in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
- Music educators and institutions seeking advanced performance opportunities for students.
- Cultural organizations and audiences interested in youth music performances.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
The AYWS Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, primarily funded through membership fees, support from the AYWS Foundation, and external partnerships, sponsorships, grants, and donations.
Recent Financials
According to the most recent tax filings for the fiscal year ending July 2022, the AYWS Foundation reported:
- Total Revenues: $76,131
- Total Expenses: $82,113
- Total Assets: $58,138
Notable Investors and Donors
The AYWS Foundation receives support from various individual donors, corporate sponsors, and grant-making organizations. Specific details about individual donors are not publicly disclosed.
Utilization of Capital
Funds are utilized for:
- Commissioning new musical compositions.
- Purchasing instruments and supplies.
- Covering personnel fees and printing costs.
- Providing student scholarships.
- Supporting operational expenses.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
The AYWS focuses on developing its members through:
- Regular rehearsals and performances.
- Collaborations with guest composers and conductors.
- Participation in commissioned compositions and world premieres.
Stages of Development
The ensemble is in a continuous cycle of rehearsal, performance, and collaboration, with no specific pipeline candidates as it is a performing arts organization rather than a product development entity.
Target Conditions
The AYWS aims to provide a positive and transformative musical experience for advanced high school musicians in the Atlanta area.
Anticipated Milestones
- Annual performances at esteemed venues.
- Commissioning and premiering new works.
- Collaborations with renowned guest artists and conductors.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
The AYWS utilizes standard musical instruments and equipment suitable for high-level wind ensemble performances.
Significant Scientific Methods
The ensemble employs traditional rehearsal and performance methodologies, focusing on musical excellence and personal development.
Leadership Team
Executive Profiles
- Scott A. Stewart: Music Director and Conductor since 1999. Dr. Stewart has served as Director of Wind Studies at Emory University and taught at Westminster Schools. He holds degrees from Indiana University and the University of Texas at Austin.
- Chuck Musholt: President of the AYWS Foundation Board. An educator, coach, and musician with a Bachelor's in Music Education from Indiana University and a Master's in Music Performance from the University of New Mexico.
- Pallavi Mahadkar: Vice President of the AYWS Foundation Board. Founder & CEO of Sunlit Path Collective, with over 20 years of leadership experience in the corporate sector.
- Dr. Damienne Denham Shabazz: Treasurer of the AYWS Foundation Board. Senior Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement for DeKalb County School District, with over 20 years in education.
- Joshua Pynn: Secretary of the AYWS Foundation Board. Former AYWS member (2012-2015), graduated from Emory University in 2019, currently a consultant for CMSPI.
- Danielle Conti: Member of the AYWS Foundation Board. Senior Investment Analyst at Truist Bank, AYWS alumnus.
- Jonathan Craig: Member of the AYWS Foundation Board. Emory University JD/TI:GER candidate and UIUC MEng candidate, holds an MBA in finance and a B.Mus.
- Yuping Luo: Member of the AYWS Foundation Board. Principal scientist at Kemira Chemicals, AYWS alumnus.
- John Spinrad: Member of the AYWS Foundation Board. Partner at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, leads the Environmental and Natural Resources Practice.
- Karen Zgonc: Member of the AYWS Foundation Board. Director of Ztunes Music, holds a BM in Music Performance (Flute).
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The youth wind ensemble sector in Atlanta is characterized by a strong emphasis on musical excellence and community engagement. Organizations like the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Wind Symphony offer similar programs, contributing to a vibrant cultural landscape.
Competitor Analysis
- Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO): A conglomerate of several musical groups under the leadership of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, offering programs for youth musicians.
- Atlanta Wind Symphony (AWS): An adult community wind ensemble founded in 1979, performing quality wind band literature.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
The AYWS collaborates with guest composers, soloists, and conductors of national renown, enhancing its educational and performance offerings.
Operational Insights
The AYWS differentiates itself through its focus on high-level wind and percussion performance for high school students, providing a non-competitive, inclusive environment that fosters artistic growth and personal development.
