Dunedin Music Society Receives Top Ranking For Nonprofits

DUNEDIN, FL — The world's largest source of information about nonprofits has awarded its top rating to the Dunedin Music Society.

Guidestar commended the Dunedin Music Society for going above and beyond expectations to be transparent about its activities and finances.

Guidestar is the No. 1 philanthropic research database designed to find the best charities to get involved with and support.

The Dunedin Music Society was awarded Guidestar’s Platinum Seal for 2021, the highest ranking possible, because of its strategic plan to “Recover, Rebuild & Reconnect” and for using the Geneva Emotional Musical Scales metrics to determine the effects of live music on audiences and performers.

New residents to the area continue reaching out to the society, seeking opportunities to perform, learn about music or attend live, in-person concerts.

The music society has been presenting outdoor and livestreamed performances since October, and the Dunedin Concert Band recently presented its second indoor performance this year with Dr. Jeff Traster, the composer of “Declaration,” which was performed at the concert, in attendance.

“What an enthusiastic crowd and a breath of fresh air to experience greater normalcy on our way to arts recovery," Traster said.

More than half the audience were newcomers to music society events.

The Dunedin Music Society started as the Dunedin Concert Band in 1981. In 2014, the city of Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department asked society general director, Stephen P. Brown, to assume leadership of the band and create a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity for financial accountability.

Instead of just signing the state of Florida template form, it took a steering committee of performers, parks employees, audience members and residents 18 months to come up with a constitution and bylaws. It was during that process that the organization was renamed the Dunedin Music Society to avoid limiting itself to one band.

Since incorporating in December 2016, the music society has grown to include four ensembles, including the Dunedin Concert Band, Florida Symphonic Winds, Pinellas Community Players and Rhythm Kings Jazz Orchestra, and eight ongoing and annual programs including the Pinellas Festival of Community Bands, Virtual Band Festivals and a 2022 European Tour.

The society has a comprehensive membership program, including a VIP Maestro’s Circle, a growing group of supporters who receive VIP privileges, including benefits and invitations to society cocktail parties. Each circle option includes two people in the same household, or one person and a guest.

The Music Maker program includes corporate and local businesses who support the society by sponsoring events, workshops, programs and promotions. Individuals, businesses, organization and corporations may choose from six sponsorship packages.

The society has also launched its first fundraising campaign called "COVID Catch-Up Challenge.

An organization made up of performers, audiences and community advocates, the Dunedin Music Society’s Sustainable Development Goals include good physical and emotional health and well-being, quality education, economic growth and equality with maximum transparency.

Concerts, rehearsals, workshops and festivals take place in Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant venues such as the Dunedin Community Center and Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center and The Palladium at St. Petersburg College. Wheelchair-accessible vantage points are available in all venues.

Upcoming events include:

• The Pinellas Community Players Summer Concert 2021 Monday, Aug. 16 at 6:15 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 3240 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.

Led by Derek Currier, this intermediate instrumental ensemble gives adults the opportunity to recharge their love of performing, and ease back into sharing their love of live music.

The concert is free to attend but donations will be accepted. Click here to register.

• The Dunedin Concert Band Fall Concert Sunday, Oct. 17 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin.

The concert will feature music by Copland, Menken, Gorb and Smith. Click here to register.

• The Pinellas Community Players Fall Concert 2021 Thursday, Oct. 21 at 6:15 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 3420 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.

The concert is free to attend but donations will be accepted. Click here to register.

• The Pinellas Festival of Community Bands Saturday, Nov. 6 from 1 to 6 p.m. at England Brothers Park, 5010 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park.

• Holiday Dance Favorites with the RKJO Thursday, Dec. 9, Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Friday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. at a location to be announced.

Dress up and dance into the holiday season with the Rhythm Kings Jazz Orchestra.

• The Pinellas Community Players Holiday Concert 2021 Thursday, Dec. 16 at 6:15 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clearwater.

• The Dunedin Concert Band Holiday Concert Sunday, Dec. 19 from 3 to 4:15 p.m. at the Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin.

The band will play a medley of holiday tunes from Tchaikovsky to Berlin, along with the Dreidl Dance, Secret Agent Santa, Walking in the Air, selections from The Nutcracker Suite, White Christmas, Holiday Portraits and the ultimate Christmas singalong.
General admission is $15. Members of the society may log in and register to reserve seats up to three days before the performance. Click here.

For more information, visit the website or call 727-800-3727.