At a Crossroads - What is Mission Critical?

Indiana in general and Indianapolis in particular is nicknamed the "Crossroads of America." It is home to a number of non-profit music organizations - the Percussive Arts Society and Drum Corps International among them - but I want to talk about Music for All.

Formerly Bands of America (which itself was once known as Marching Bands of America), Music for All was the name adopted following the merger of BOA and the Music for All Foundation. Known for events in big domes and other venues and the crowning of a Grand National Champion each year, the merger was to allow the organization to continue to expand its reach into band camps, orchestras, jazz bands, honor ensembles, concert festivals, and advocacy.

Then the economy struck.

Right now the organization is in the middle of a critical fundraising campaign to reach $220,000 (they have a pledge for the last $30,000) by the end of this month. As of this post date they have more than have the way to go.

BOA has made sacrifices in staff, but not yet programs. In the weekly CEO chats, it seems like enrollment is going to be up, although insiders in other band programs tell me travel seems like it will be down more than 25%.

BOA has had the reputation of serving "high end" bands able to raise significant funds and put on very highly designed programs. I don't know if that was the reputation they set out to cultivate, but it is out there.

So, now the organization is facing the need to make some hard decisions. I think they have made some. But I am concerned they have not made the one that counts: What is absolutely mission critical?

There were good questions raised in the February 11 chat - what are the metrics that need to be used to determine if a program should be continued?

For me, today is a good day to reflect on what is mission critical. I hope others do so as well.