Community Value?

I spent yesterday morning (5:30 a.m. until early afternoon) traveling to and from Frankfort to hear the orchestra's grant application read. We had applied for funding from the Kentucky Arts Council for general operating support. Arts organizations from across the commonwealth had gathered at a motel to hear a panel of out-of-state guests comment on their applications. The four panelists had the opportunity to comment on each application publicly. After that, they privately scored each organization. The scores determines how much, if anything, each arts group would receive from the state.

Anyone involved in grant writing will tell you that there are certain "buzz words" that grant readers look for. Unfortunately, they seem to change from year to year and with different panels. The buzz words for yesterday morning were "community value." With each application, the panelists often commented on whether the arts organization being discussed knew (and had articulated in their application) what value they added to their community. It got me to thinking. What value does the BGCO contribute to south central Kentucky?

One way to look at value is this: If the BGCO didn't exist, would it be missed? Here are ten ways I believe the BGCO adds value to south central Kentucky.

If the BGCO closed its doors tomorrow:

1) There would be no youth orchestras--70-80 kids would have no where to learn how to play orchestral music.
2) There would be no string academy--130 kids/adults would have to seek string instruction elsewhere (it would have to be out of town).
3) There would be no retro concerts--no Beatlemadness, Motownmadness, '70s Show, etc. etc.
4) There would be no free, July 4th concert and fireworks show at WKU.
5) There would be no concerts at Living Hope--no more Larnelle Harris singing Christmas songs with the orchestra; no more Tim King singing "MacArthur Park"; no more Sylvia Kersenbaum playing "Rhapsody in Blue".
6) There would be no children's cushion concerts at the Train Depot.
7) There would be no Perry Penguin's club for kids.
8) There would be no Bowling Green Chamber Singers to sing songs from Rodgers & Hammerstein and "Porgy and Bess".
9) There would be no Bowling Green Chamber Players to provide small ensembles for parties, weddings, receptions, etc.
10) There would be no professional chamber orchestra right here in Bowling Green.

I have listed ten ways the BGCO contributes value to our community. How does the BGCO make your life better? Please share your thoughts.