Challenging economy doesn't stop JSO from meeting goal

Event to celebrate successful Sound Vision campaign for orchestra


The public will have an opportunity on March 11 to view the Jackson Symphony Orchestra’s transformed building and hear details about the successful Sound Vision fund-raising campaign, which is now completed. The celebration, beginning at 2 p.m., will include a press conference, a bit of music, a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours of the building.

“The financial generosity from the community and musicians was nothing short of overwhelming,” said Mary Spring, Director of Development of the JSO. “With a donated facility, valued at $720,000 and $3.5 million in monetary donations from the campaign, and the tireless efforts of scores of volunteers, I’m confident the JSO’s future is secure.”

The JSO facility houses not only the orchestra, but also the JSO Community Music School, Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Chorale and Children’s Choir, and Michigan Shakespeare Festival. More than 400 musicians and students use the JSO center weekly.

In July of 2007 Comerica Bank generously gave the JSO the building at 215 W. Michigan in the heart of downtown Jackson.

“With the ownership of the building came the responsibility of maintenance, but also the opportunity to invest in technology and renovations knowing that the property was good for the long term,” said campaign co-chair Phil Willis.

Thus, the JSO’s capital campaign was announced in February 2008. Excitement grew as plans were made to turn the building into an Education and Performing Arts Center. Another goal of the campaign was to expand the endowment fund. The Weatherwax Foundation gave the campaign a final push in November 2010 by offering a $500,000 challenge grant. The foundation matched dollar-for-dollar any new donations up to $500,000.

As funds came in from individuals, foundations and local businesses, building improvements were made, programs expanded and technology upgraded. Initially, a new facade was built, a kiosk installed outdoors to publicize events and adult education classes added.

Now, the building has been completely renovated with major improvements to the lighting and acoustical properties. The Education Center has been modernized to take advantage of the learning space. There’s also been significant additions and upgrades to teaching and recording technology. A rehearsal/recital space has been created as well as office space to accommodate the staff, youth orchestra, chorale and members of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival.

“Reshaping the education level to accommodate class as well as private instruction expanded the scope of offerings extensively,” said Stephen Osmond, Music Director and Conductor of the JSO. “On the main level, the goal was to provide for the orchestra the finest rehearsal venue possible. New lighting was researched, designed and installed with excellent results. An acoustic plan was needed to maintain the liveliness of the space as well as provide an acoustically dry environment for rehearsal. Tracks of curtains made it possible to "tune" the hall for any group or individual rehearsal or performance.”

Among the participants in this event are Board Chair, Dr. Jon Lake; campaign leaders Phil Willis, immediate past chair of the JSO, founder of Willis and Jurasek CPAs; Pat Willis, founding partner of Willis and Machnik Investments; Tom Evanson, CPA; Nancy Evanson reading teacher/consultant; Rick Davies, retired Banker; Deb Davies, retired English professor and poet; Conductor Stephen Osmond; and Mary Spring, Development Director of the JSO.

Go to http://www.jacksonsymphony.org/tickets_events/openhouse2012.html for a sneak peek!