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Lubbock Youth Orchestras asks commissioners for $7,500–$10,000 to cover rising facility and scholarship costs
Summary
Lubbock Youth Orchestras presented its program and requested $10,000 (or $7,500 if full amount not available) to help cover increased venue and rehearsal fees and student scholarships; commissioners said they will consider the request at a future meeting.
Lee Schrader, the new orchestra manager for Lubbock Youth Orchestras, told the Lubbock County Commissioners Court that the nonprofit ensemble needs county help to cover rising facility and rehearsal fees and to support scholarship students. Schrader said the organization includes more than 120 students (132 last year) across four ensembles—Prelude (beginner strings), Philharmonic (intermediate full orchestra), Symphony (advanced full orchestra) and a newer Wind Ensemble—and that most students are drawn from Lubbock ISD, Lubbock-Cooper ISD and Friendship ISD. "This program is really important to our kids," Schrader said, citing research that music study benefits academic performance and mental health.
Schrader said the group is changing concert venues from the Civic Center to the Buddy Holly Center, which has increased costs, and that many students attend on scholarship. He asked the court for $10,000 to help bridge the gap; he said the group could accept $7,500 if $10,000 is not available. Two students, Elena McGrew and Katie Bubini, performed for the court during the presentation.
Commissioners did not take an immediate vote on the request. The judge said the court will "take up and consider the amount" to be granted to Lubbock Youth Orchestras at a future meeting.
