Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Myrtle Hart Society: 'we need your support more than ever before to cultivate our seed'

[Rashida N. Black, Founder/Executive Director, Myrtle Hart Society] 

Dear Friends,
The Myrtle Hart Society was founded in 2007 to promote positive images and self-concepts of people of African descent, to promote the classical community of color and to develop new audiences for classical music among people of color. The organization has thrived due to the collective efforts of amazing folks who volunteer their time, energy and resources to provide substantive information that enriches communities of color and society. Principal advisor Dr. Dominique-Rene de Lerma of Lawrence University, mentor Dr. Fred Onovwersuoke of African Chorus, Inc, William Zick of AfriClassical.com and its companion blog, and Mike Wright, Chair of International Society African to American Music in London all provide a wealth of information from their respective locations in different parts of the world.

Our success is solely based on loyal supporters-- our readers. But with the rising costs of operation, we need your support more than ever before to cultivate our seed and help it grow. As we come to the close of the calendar year, I ask you personally to help us to sustain the ongoing efforts of those invested in the Myrtle Hart Society. As a gift to you for your generosity, MHS offers an exclusive CD of the Boys Choir of Kenya's new album (AMERIKA JAMBO) to each of the first 10 contributors at the $50 giving level. The official release date of the CD is November 20, 2008. Be among the first to own this inspiring disc of talented young Black men who celebrate life through music. This special offer ends November 30. As was stated in the November eNewsletter, MHS celebrates the legacy of classical musicians of color--bridging their history to the present and contextualizing their stories for the general public in an effort to analyze and lessen the issues surrounding music and race.

Please help to sustain MHS by making a tax-deductible donation today.

* $50 level receives mention in MHS eNewsletter and on the website;
* $100 level receives 2 CD recordings by an African American, Afro-Caribbean, or African-descent composer or artist;
* $250 level receives 3 CD recordings, plus a pair of tickets to one concert in any city of your choice. (Concert must feature an African-American or other African-descent composer or artist);
* $500 level receives 3 CD recordings, plus paid registration to FESAAM 2009 (Festival of African and African-American Music) in St. Louis, the NANM (National Association of Negro Musicians) conference, the William Grant Still conference, or other conference focused on black composers in 2009;
* $1000 level receives all of the above, plus a Valentine's Day dinner gift certificate for two, complete with a bouquet of 12 roses for their named partner. A gourmet wine from a South African vineyard is also delivered, especially for you, at your dinner table.

Remember, your donation is fully tax-deductible. Thank you so much for your continued support. Sincerely, Rashida N. Black, Founder/Executive Director






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