Storm Lake Pilot Tribune: Miscellaneous: Alta-Aurelia music programs receive support (02/10/12)

The Alta Kiwanis applied for a grant from BV County Community Foundation and were awarded $5,000. The award was presented last fall by Justin Yarosovich (left) and Don Peterson (right). Accepting the award were Supt. Lynn Evans, Jeff James, Steve Jimmerson and Aurelia Kiwanis President Denny Allen. /Submitted

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When Alta-Aurelia Band Director Ryan Meyer put out a plea for help to improve the instrumental music programs at the high school and middle school - people stepped up.

"The communities of Alta and Aurelia have made it a priority to upgrade equipment for the instrumental music department," said Meyer.

The Kiwanis group from Alta wrote two grants for the music program and monies were received from both.

The Alta Kiwanis recently received a Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis Grant for $1,700 for the music program. Steve Jimmerson and Gene Boelter present the check to Supt. Lynn Evans. /Lorri Glawe

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The first was with the Buena Vista County Community Foundation. A grant for $5,000 was received; an additional $5,000 in matching funds from the Alta Community Education Foundation was received.

There is also a commitment from the Alta Kiwanis for $1,000, the Aurelia Kiwanis contributed $1,000, and approximately $1,300 in small individual donations was received.

The second grant, the Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis Grant, totaled an additional for $1,700.

"Because we have received these dollars, we have been able to make substantial gains in upgrading our musical instrument inventory," said Meyer. The A-A music boosters also did a fund drive in November and December that has helped in purchasing new instruments.

"There are a lot of exciting things happening for our kids in the music department and some of them wouldn't be possible without the efforts of our music boosters, community members and the Kiwanis Clubs."

The music directors are very grateful.