The ICDA Weston Noble Endowment

"Song Go On ..."	Click here for the Endowment Giving Form

These are the first three words of a poem written by Iowa music teacher, Sandra Chapman of Fort Madison. As she wrote them, little did she know that she would be addressing an issue of such magnitude. A great challenge is looming on the horizon for those of us in the music education field. Increasing demands on classroom teachers are occurring as uncertain economic times may threaten to cut staff, facilities and programs. Within the next 10 years a large number of teachers will retire from the profession and many positions will need to be filled. The training, mentoring and encouragement of this new group of music educators is an important matter, one in which we all can have a part. The "song must go on" and we can assist in carrying it into the future.

Over the past two years, ICDA has taken the initiative to create the Weston Noble Endowment Fund, a permanent savings vehicle for our nonprofit institution. Any interest earned in this fund is not subject to tax, and all donations are tax-deductible. As a general rule, principle funds will remain invested and only the interest will be spent. The ICDA Endowment Fund is being managed by a committee comprised of the Executive Committee (President, President-Elect, Past President and Secretary/Treasurer) and approximately 10 other ICDA members. After a year-long application procedure, the ICDA Endowment Fund was approved by the federal government.

The interest generated by this fund will be used for several purposes. Initially, these funds will be used to provide scholarships to the ICDA Summer Symposium for Iowa vocal music educators who hold a signed contract and have 0-2 years of teaching experience. It is imperative that we get these young educators to our symposium, giving them access to the experience of the outstanding presenters and bringing them into the network of the many wonderful teachers within this state. Other projects are being planned as funds are available.

During the first few weeks in November of 2006, the Weston Noble Endowment Committee has been conducting a person to person canvas of all ICDA members in the hope of increasing the number individuals who are contributing to this fund. Following this canvas, the committee will be approaching the corporate world for more major support of this project. As corporations are more favorable to give to organizations where there is also support by a large percentage of the organization's membership, this phone campaign has been conducted at this time. As funds are submitted, the names of all contributors will be listed on this page.

If you pledged funds during this campaign, we thank you greatly for your support. If you did not receive a call, yet wish to help ICDA toward this goal, please contact Joleen Nelson Woods to make a contribution. Many contributions have been in the neighborhood of $10 to $25. Some have been several thousand dollars. Although large donations are wonderful to receive, the amount that is pledged is not as important as the number of our members who pledge to give something toward this project.

Please consider making a contribution to the future of choral music in our state. Together, let us work to insure that the "song will go on."

Millie Youngquist,
ICDA Vice-President