Help us bring AJO into the Future! Support our Digital Music Reader Project!

CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: 21% Funded through grants and business donations! Thank You. 

This allowed us to purchase five iPads and start testing!  They all work better than expected!  Help us get enough for the whole group!

See our Go Fund Me Page, or contact us for more information:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/adirondack-jazz-orchestra-digital-music-readers

The Adirondack Jazz Orchestra began as a wild idea in 2003. Since then we have continually provided something different for the communities of UpState New York. In 2019, we once again have a wild idea! Let’s Go Green! Let’s Go Digital!

Our History:

Adirondack Jazz Orchestra

-Formed in 2003
-In 2010, we opened for the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra!
-Played events for Senior Citizens
-Performed monthly for Ten Years at Olive Ridley’s (since 2009)
-Traveled upstate New York performing.
-FREE Jazz Jam Sessions for students (3-4 times a year)
-Educational resources for area schools and music department fund raising events.
-Make-A-Wish foundation annual fundraisers

This year we are expanding again. We now have a small group called the Adirondack Jazz Repertoire Ensemble formed in 2018 that is very customizable to suit smaller venues.

Adirondack Jazz Repertoire Ensemble

We are have a few big announcements that we can’t announce yet, but will allow us to have:

-Guest Artist concerts
-Featured Concerts
-Providing even more for the area and giving back more to local communities.

Every year we continue to do strive to be the absolute best that we can.

This year we are also looking to get involved with local colleges to take on a few interns for our technical team.

Now we would like to introduce you to our most ambitious project ever. Times are changing, and technology is bringing in the ability to do things that we never thought possible. We would love to “Go Digital” and purchase digital music readers for the entire band.

Digital Music Readers for the band.

What we would love to do is get 12.9 inch iPad Pros for the entire band to use as music readers. The band would then have all of their music downloaded on these iPads. (We already have our music in digital form and ready to roll out). I’ve talked with music professionals from all over the world, and they all say iPad Pro 12.9 is the way to go, and no other option works as good.

These iPads would need protective cases for accidental drops, and ultimately it would be great to also have bluetooth foot pedals to control page turns for each member of the band.

Update: As of November 20th we are 21% funded. We were able to purchase FIVE iPads and cases! We tested them at our performance in December and they worked better than expected!!

Why is this necessary?

First, we would eliminate the need for paper. our folders are getting big, heavy, and bulky. Our music is getting old and beat up. We have 123 charts currently (August 2019). I would love to cut down on the use of paper.

Second, we are always looking for ways to make this band top notch. Many professional big bands across the country are moving to digital readers. We want to present ourselves in the best way possible at every performance to be Upstate New York’s premier music organization. We need your help!

Update: We found that setting up with these iPads for performances only takes minutes compared to the hours of organizing the paper folders! Very exciting!

Multi-level Approach

In order to do this, we are approaching this in every way possible. We are looking for small or large private donations, family foundations, and/or support from non-profit organizations who want to support the arts. The overall cost of this ambitious project, makes is something we could not possibly due without support from multiple sources. The Go Fund Me fund raisers will only raise a portion of the over all costs needed.

Here is what we need:

20-25 iPad Pro 64 GB (with a few extra for special concerts and added instruments) $999.99 each

Why the iPad Pro is Built for musicians

20 Bluetooth AirTurn Pedals ($100 each)

Airturn Bluetooth Foot Pedals for page turns

20-25 iPad protective cases or screen protectors ($50.00 each)

5-10 iPad Pro Microphone Stand Mounts ($50.00 each)

Custom Carrying case for 20 iPads ($1850)
Custom Carrying Case for 5 additional iPads ($750)

Update: Below the stand you see the blue light. This is the AirTurn Duo 200 Bluetooth pedal. We were also able to purchase five of these with the first round of funding. They also work better than expected!! The blue light actually helps you see the pedal with the lights are dimmed during performances.

MUSIC EDUCATION COMPONENT FOR STUDENTS

-AJO Offers many free concerts per year for students

-AJO Offers Free jam session for high school and college students to learn about jazz

-AJO offers free for students to sit in and perform with the band several times a year

-AJO’s goal is to inspire the next generation of young musicians to participate and major in music education

-AJO performs at local schools in fund raising efforts for music departments.

-AJO is has many music educators performing with our ensemble

-AJO has employed over 100 local musicians/educators for various performances over the years.
The total for this project is about $30,000. This is why we are calling this ambitious at the very least. Literally every little bit will help us reach our goal. Again, we are not expecting the Go Fund me to cover all costs at this point, but we could be surprised! Funding given here will be used directly towards the purchase of these items, and also encourage organizations to help us out as well.

This project may take months or even years to come to fruition.

Large Private Donors (over $1,000), Business donations, Family Foundations or non-profit organizations interested supporting local artists are asked to contact us directly.