Each winter, music nonprofits, NAMM Foundation partners and grantees gather in Anaheim, Ca, to participate in a unique networking opportunity at The NAMM Show. This year 135 organizations and 460 individuals attended the third-annual Nonprofit Management Institute, moderated by David Dik, the national executive director of Young Audiences Arts for Learning, and Laurie Schell, founding principal of Laurie Schell Associates.
“The participants of this year’s Nonprofit Management Institute, through the skills they honed in Anaheim, are destined to become dynamic and thoughtful nonprofit leaders, having positive impact on the field for many years to come,” said Dik.
The Institute provided music nonprofits resources to grow and succeed and offered a series of seven progressive sessions that covered best practices, fundraising and governance and more. The program provides a certificate of completion to organizations that complete the series.
“At the Institute, we collectively learn from each other. Nonprofits succeed when they partner with schools, community, businesses and organizations,” said Dik. “Networking opportunities at the show increase the outreach and purpose of the nonprofit attendee exponentially.”
Justin Bennes and Chris Grilli from Worcester Police in Massachusetts attended the Institute to discover best practices for the collaboration that currently exists between AMPP Worcester and Imagine Music and Arts Partnership.
“Prior to the NAMM nonprofit classes, we felt we were on an island,” said Bennes. “After leaving, we are rejuvenated with education, contacts, and motivation to let our work and mission flourish.”
Heather Noonan, vice president for Advocacy from League of American Orchestras was one of many speakers who lent their voice to attendees during the Institute, specifically during the "Title IV: Why It Should Matter to You” session.
“Whether seeking policies that spark charitable giving…or education reforms that breakthrough systemic inequities, I’m inspired by finding common ground in unexpected partnerships across interest areas, and supporting opportunities for artists, students, and arts leaders to make their voices heard,” said Noonan to College Magazine. “I believe that learning in the arts will be even more valued in the coming years.”
Closing out the Nonprofit Management Institute on Thursday was John Mlynczak, managing director of Noteflight, a Hal Leonard company. He spoke during the “I Have a Story to Tell: Effective Use of Social Media” session and focused on marketing. According to Mlynczak, authenticity is key.
“Taking courses and studying social media tactics is always valuable, but just remember to use these tactics to reach the right audience with the right message on the right platform,” he said.
According to Schell, attendees left the Nonprofit Management Institute with new contacts and a greater knowledge of the nonprofit sector.
“Nonprofit representatives leave knowing that they’re part of a larger community, a community of caring individuals who connect making music with public good,” said Schell. “It’s very affirming—and hopeful—to see so many folks who want to make an impact in their communities through music.”
Moderators included: David Dik, Young Audiences; Laurie Schell, Laurie Schell Associates; Mary Luehrsen, NAMM; and Aaron Friedman, Make Music Alliance.
Speakers included: Sandy Seufert, Sandy Seufert Consulting; Lynn Tuttle, National Association for Music Education; Heather Noonan, League of American Orchestras; Ally Bernstein, Title IV-A Coalition; John Mlynczak, Noteflight, a Hal Leonard company; Bill Pelto, The College Music Society; Amy Rasmussen, Chicago Arts Partnerships for Education; Mike Blakeslee, National Association for Music Education; Steve Venz, Little Kids Rock; Jaclyn Rudderow, Save The Music Foundation; Joshua Simonds, Percussive Arts Society; Chalise Zolezzi, NAMM; Matt Fox, Make Music Alliance; and Lizzy Cichowski, Brass Bell Music.
Photography by NAMM Staff.