Re: [Harp-L] re: big name SPAH members...

[Warren Bee <wbharptime2@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Phyllis. I understand and appreciate your thoughts on scholarships.
SPAH now has a youth scholarship program that was started a few years ago
with some donated seed money. "Freebees" to the professionals in my opinion
would be more of a marketing strategy to grow interest and generate funds
for scholarships and other things as you suggest. Free memberships cost
nothing to the organization. I also believe that the well-to-do pro's will
be generous enough to make up for the struggling pro's who don't have the
green to spare. A long membership list littered with "name brand stars" is
an amazing asset for the mission of advancing and preserving.

wb


On Sat, Aug 2, 2014 at 5:07 PM, <Phyllis731@xxxxxxx> wrote:

>  If you are going to provide freebies for the professionals, some of who
> may be earning a decent living, how about a few scholarships for those of
> us students/learners who cannot afford to attend the convention?
>
> Phyllis Robinson, Berwyn, Illinois
> Retired Social worker
> Student Harmonica student living on social security income.
>
>  In a message dated 8/2/2014 2:26:20 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
> wbharptime2@xxxxxxxxx writes:
>
> not sure what type of search committee is needed. the names that matter
> will rise to the top of a list pretty quick. my thoughts weren't about free
> convention tickets as much as free SPAH membership for all "full time
> professionals" of our instrument. I would send out notices every year
> worded like this: we are pleased to include you as a professional member of
> our organization. Annual dues are $50.00 and we waive that fee up for you
> because we would like to include you on our roster of professional members.
> As a non-profit we do appreciate any and all donations from our
> professional members to help us Preserve and Advance the Harmonica for
> generations to come.
>
> as far as convention fee's I would send a communication stating that we
> would love for them to attend and perhaps participate. To attend each
> ticket will cost: $XX.XX. If they have an interest in getting involved then
> direct them to the powers that be and "work a deal"
>
> Any communication with "star/professional" players should include the line:
> donations appreciated. my guess is that more $$ would be brought in this
> way instead of a straight $50 invoice
>
> just my rambling thoughts on this issue for a while now. Bottom line....all
> would benefit from this concept. All professionals could use more exposure
> and sales opportunities and the general harp population will be proud to be
> on a member roster including the best of the best.
>
> wb
>
>