HQ: +1 415 MUSIC 00 (+1 415 687 4200)
General Info: +1 415 MUSIC 00 (+1 415 687 4200)
Tollfree (US): 1 833 2 MUSIC 2 (1 833 268 7422)
EU phone (Italy): +39 090 910 0007
We’re also available on WhatsApp +1 303 859-3321
Of course you can email us at [email protected].
LocationMailing Address
2071 Rowell Drive
Lyons, CO 80540 USA
Chase the Music is a 501c3 Non-profit based in Colorado, USA
Download our Donor Fact Sheet (pdf).
Our EIN # is 45-5137624
We are platinum rated by Guidestar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)- Expand All | Collapse AllGeneral
-
What genres of music are in a Chase the Music production?
We like to say that the genres for a a Chase the Music gift range from A to Z. That is, from Aboriginal to Zydeco! It’s just got to be right for the child! We generally don’t think that head-banger is great for infants, but there’s no rules against it. Chase the Music isn’t about too many rules – what’s right the child and the situation is right for us!
Was this helpful?
0
0
Hits: 50 -
Where did the name Chase the Music come from?
Chase the Music came to founder, Clark Hodge, one night as he was waking up. The original piece Chase the Morning Sun, was an interim name, but didn’t have direct meaning to others than those involved with the original production. Chase the Music came to him, it wasn’t be used by anyone else and shazam! It really is a believe that everyone should lives their lives chasing the music. Chase that which makes us happy, better people.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 53 -
Who did your awesome logos?
Lora Gilson came up with the original concept, and Chris Raykovich refined it and cleaned it up. Contact us if you’d like to reach out to them for help with your project.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 40 -
What types of performances are there?
In general, there are two types of Chase the Music performances.
First is a full Chase the Music event. The entire event is run by Chase the Music. All of the music is selected for the child, generally along some theme that the child is interested in. For example Disney princess music, or classic rock. These typically conclude with the premiere of the original Chase the Music composition.
Second is where the Chase the Music original composition is premiered as part of an existing event / concert. The music is the producers choice there, and Chase the Music is only responsible for the one piece.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 51 -
Are there any geographic boundaries?
No, we are looking to grow Chase the Music across the globe. There are deserving children and musicians with big hearts everywhere. As we get further from home, we’ll need extra help from the producers in putting everything together. We’re excited to work with you, where ever in the world you’re from!
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 50 -
Do you go by any other names?
We do go by Chase, as a short form of the name. And sometimes we abbreviate as CTM. But, other than that – we are proudly Chase the Music!
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 44 The Children -
What children qualify?
Children with critical illnesses, serious injuries, major birth defects, debilitating syndromes and battling extreme crisis situations.
Children are not limited in age. We simply look to if they have a child-like spirit.
Geographically, we support children in globally.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 57 -
Can it be for more than one child?
Of course! We’ve done a piece for a child with autism, but also dedicated the entire performance to his schoolmates. We’ve had a brother and sister, both born with spina bifida. We’ve done over one hundred kids at a local wheelchair camp. And of course, we’ve done very personal, individualized pieces too.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 39 -
What is the age range for the children?
From birth to 21(ish).
There are few, if any, hard rules at Chase the Music. We perform for ‘kids’ and the definition is… squishy.
Note we’ve also performed final rehearsals at senior centers, enabling others to enjoy the music and stories of Chase the Music.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 31 -
How do I nominate a child?
For the time being, please contact us to nominate a child. We’re working on on-line submissions for that, but for the time being – we want the personal touch.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 40 -
Who can nominate a child?
Anyone can, however, we look to our producers, songwriters, composers and musicians. The closer they are to the child, the stronger the music produced is. If a nomination comes from the outside, we work to ensure that those working on the gift, become aware of the child. Meetings, video, stories from others all help them get to know the child.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 28 -
Can a piece be for more than one child?
Of course! Pieces for more than one child with some similarity. It could be a brother and sister, a group from a special needs school, a camp supporting kids in wheelchairs. Just make sure it’s a piece with meaning for all!
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 29 Producers -
Should we charge for admission?
We don’t think so…
The big thing is that family and friends shouldn’t feel the burden of a gift. This is a gift first and foremost!
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 47 -
What's an appropriate venue?
Really anyplace. Indoors our outside. In a home, at a hospital, in an auditorium or theatre. It all works, if it’s right the the child!
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 37 -
How do I make something extraordinary?
Chase the Music gifts are by definition extraordinary. We pride ourselves in going the extra mile though, to deliver a truly memorable experience. Something that over time will help the children even more than just sending them a CD. We’ve done things like bringing the children on-stage (and provided them with batons) to conduct the orchestra. They’ve been given limo services to be able to attend. We’ve had poster sized prints of their pictures. Special programs printed. Friends and care-givers have spoken at the event. We’ve given flowers to moms, grandmas, and special siblings – because they too are a big part of the event. We’ve put a star on a green room door, with the childs name on it. The room was so they could have a little time to themselves, and the start made it theirs.
We push hard for these little extras that make a Chase the Music event unique and extraordinary.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 36 -
Where can a performance be?
Anywhere that works! It’s important that we first look at the child. Is the venue accessible? Then for the musicians, is there enough space for the group? Then for the producer. Does it meet the needs for everyone?!
Chase the Music performances can be in the home, at a school, in a gym, outdoors, at a camp, in an auditorium, on a commercial stage. There are no limits. When designing a performance gift our producers, ask themselves “What’s the perfect place for this gift?”.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 37 -
What should I watch out for with venue selection?
Since many Chase the Music events have larger than normal numbers of special needs individuals, make sure that your choice of venue can accommodate those requirements. For example, make sure there is plenty of handicap seating AND parking if you’re producing an event with lots of wheelchairs. Or make sure there’s plenty of space for movement, when producing an event where children can’t be expected to be seated for the performance.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 22 Composers -
How to I sign up as a composer?
To be considered as a composer goto our composers page. There are no assurances that we’ll have a piece immediately, but we promise to keep you updated as soon as an opportunity arises. Feel free to contact us directly too if you have any questions.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 40 -
Who has rights to the music?
Typically Chase the Music is granted a non-exclusive, eternal license to sell/distribute/share any music created for Chase the Music. The composer maintains copyright to the music. Unless… the piece is done as work for hire, in which case the music copyright belongs to Chase the Music. All things are negotiable. Contact us for information, details and contracts.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 44 The VenueThere are no questions in this categoryThe Performers -
Do I have to be professional musician to perform for Chase the Music?
Of course not! We have professionals, amateurs… all types. The question to be asked is do you have love in your heart? If yes, then you’re right for a Chase the Music performer.
Was this helpful?10
Hits: 40 -
Who has rights to the music?
Typically Chase the Music is granted a non-exclusive, eternal license to sell/distribute/share any music created for Chase the Music. The composer maintains copyright to the performance. Unless… the piece is done as work for hire, in which case the music copyright belongs to Chase the Music. All things are negotiable. Contact us for information, details and contracts.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 27 -
How do I sign up my performing group to perform for Chase the Music?
Excellent – we’re excited to hear from you! Signup to perform a piece for Chase the Music.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 30 Donations -
Can I sponsor an entire production for a specific child?
Call us to discuss this. It’s a complex process and we’d love to work with you on a project.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 16 -
What is your address?
Chase the Music
Was this helpful?
2071 Rowell Dr
Lyons, CO 8054000
Hits: 11 -
Can I give in a currency other than US dollars?
Yes, our bank and transaction processors are all international in nature. The donation page allows you to donate in your native currency.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 11 -
What's your IRS EIN number?
Our US IRS EIN (employer information number) is 45-5137624.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 12 -
Can I add you to my will?
Yes. See our Legacy Giving page for more information.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 9 -
Can I give anonymously?
Yes, just specify that with your donation and we’ll honor your request.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 10 -
Can I receive recognition for my gift?
So long as you haven’t requested not to be recognized, we may use your name in our promotional materials. If you have any special requests in the handling of this, please give us a call.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 15 -
Do you have a legacy giving program?
Yes, our Legacy of Children and Music program is structured to accept your legacy gifts.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 9 -
Can I donate stocks or real estate?
Yes, but for complex donations, it’s best to contact us directly to arrange the details of the donation.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 13 -
Can I donate a car or other material goods?
Yes, but call us to coordinate the details. Thanks!
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 14 -
Can I give a song that I've written?
Yes, please give us a call so that we can work out the details of the gift.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 17 -
Why should I give to Chase the Music?
Giving to Chase the Music is a personal decision. We know the work we are doing is amazing. It’s power of healing for the child, it’s engagement of the musicians, it’s force over parents, friends, audience, listeners is phenomenal. It’s a unique, powerful, impactful, long-term and exponentially impactful program. If that’s what you want do be part of, we thank you. It’s what we care about too.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 19 Organizational -
What is your EIN number?
Our USA EIN number, issued by the IRS is 45-5137624.
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 7 -
Are you GuideStar rated?
Yes! We are Platinum rated by GuideStar!
Was this helpful?
00
Hits: 22 -
What else do you do?
Chase the Music believes in a holistic view of our space and the world. With that in mind, not only do we do the original music for children battling critical illness, but we also do a number of other things:
- Sponsor, organize and operate a blood drive in partnership with Bonfils. Blood is critical to our children, and others and by giving, we increase awareness, and ensure a supply of this critical substance. One of our favorite songs, that we use when we promote this drive is “Give Blood” by Peter Townshend of the Who.
- Assist with instrument donations for children in need. We’ve collaborated with Blue Star Connection to help with this.
- Coordinate dedications of a song or performance to a child/children, when an original composition isn’t possible.
- Personal visits to the care facilities and homes of our children, as part of a healthy, healing relationship.
- Encourage employees, board and volunteers to take a ‘big view’ of the world and do more.
- Collaborative work with school music programs.
- Scholarship programs, in exchange for composition and production.
00
Hits: 29 -
Can I donate for a specific child / performance?
Of course,
Give us a call, or note it on the form when you make your donation so that we can apply it properly to the correct child / performance.
Was this helpful?10
Hits: 17
We like to say that the genres for a a Chase the Music gift range from A to Z. That is, from Aboriginal to Zydeco! It’s just got to be right for the child! We generally don’t think that head-banger is great for infants, but there’s no rules against it. Chase the Music isn’t about too many rules – what’s right the child and the situation is right for us! Chase the Music came to founder, Clark Hodge, one night as he was waking up. The original piece Chase the Morning Sun, was an interim name, but didn’t have direct meaning to others than those involved with the original production. Chase the Music came to him, it wasn’t be used by anyone else and shazam! It really is a believe that everyone should lives their lives chasing the music. Chase that which makes us happy, better people. Lora Gilson came up with the original concept, and Chris Raykovich refined it and cleaned it up. Contact us if you’d like to reach out to them for help with your project. In general, there are two types of Chase the Music performances. First is a full Chase the Music event. The entire event is run by Chase the Music. All of the music is selected for the child, generally along some theme that the child is interested in. For example Disney princess music, or classic rock. These typically conclude with the premiere of the original Chase the Music composition. Second is where the Chase the Music original composition is premiered as part of an existing event / concert. The music is the producers choice there, and Chase the Music is only responsible for the one piece. No, we are looking to grow Chase the Music across the globe. There are deserving children and musicians with big hearts everywhere. As we get further from home, we’ll need extra help from the producers in putting everything together. We’re excited to work with you, where ever in the world you’re from! We do go by Chase, as a short form of the name. And sometimes we abbreviate as CTM. But, other than that – we are proudly Chase the Music! Children with critical illnesses, serious injuries, major birth defects, debilitating syndromes and battling extreme crisis situations. Children are not limited in age. We simply look to if they have a child-like spirit. Geographically, we support children in globally. Of course! We’ve done a piece for a child with autism, but also dedicated the entire performance to his schoolmates. We’ve had a brother and sister, both born with spina bifida. We’ve done over one hundred kids at a local wheelchair camp. And of course, we’ve done very personal, individualized pieces too. From birth to 21(ish). There are few, if any, hard rules at Chase the Music. We perform for ‘kids’ and the definition is… squishy. Note we’ve also performed final rehearsals at senior centers, enabling others to enjoy the music and stories of Chase the Music. For the time being, please contact us to nominate a child. We’re working on on-line submissions for that, but for the time being – we want the personal touch. Anyone can, however, we look to our producers, songwriters, composers and musicians. The closer they are to the child, the stronger the music produced is. If a nomination comes from the outside, we work to ensure that those working on the gift, become aware of the child. Meetings, video, stories from others all help them get to know the child. Of course! Pieces for more than one child with some similarity. It could be a brother and sister, a group from a special needs school, a camp supporting kids in wheelchairs. Just make sure it’s a piece with meaning for all! We don’t think so… The big thing is that family and friends shouldn’t feel the burden of a gift. This is a gift first and foremost! Really anyplace. Indoors our outside. In a home, at a hospital, in an auditorium or theatre. It all works, if it’s right the the child! Chase the Music gifts are by definition extraordinary. We pride ourselves in going the extra mile though, to deliver a truly memorable experience. Something that over time will help the children even more than just sending them a CD. We’ve done things like bringing the children on-stage (and provided them with batons) to conduct the orchestra. They’ve been given limo services to be able to attend. We’ve had poster sized prints of their pictures. Special programs printed. Friends and care-givers have spoken at the event. We’ve given flowers to moms, grandmas, and special siblings – because they too are a big part of the event. We’ve put a star on a green room door, with the childs name on it. The room was so they could have a little time to themselves, and the start made it theirs. We push hard for these little extras that make a Chase the Music event unique and extraordinary. Anywhere that works! It’s important that we first look at the child. Is the venue accessible? Then for the musicians, is there enough space for the group? Then for the producer. Does it meet the needs for everyone?! Chase the Music performances can be in the home, at a school, in a gym, outdoors, at a camp, in an auditorium, on a commercial stage. There are no limits. When designing a performance gift our producers, ask themselves “What’s the perfect place for this gift?”. Since many Chase the Music events have larger than normal numbers of special needs individuals, make sure that your choice of venue can accommodate those requirements. For example, make sure there is plenty of handicap seating AND parking if you’re producing an event with lots of wheelchairs. Or make sure there’s plenty of space for movement, when producing an event where children can’t be expected to be seated for the performance. To be considered as a composer goto our composers page. There are no assurances that we’ll have a piece immediately, but we promise to keep you updated as soon as an opportunity arises. Feel free to contact us directly too if you have any questions. Typically Chase the Music is granted a non-exclusive, eternal license to sell/distribute/share any music created for Chase the Music. The composer maintains copyright to the music. Unless… the piece is done as work for hire, in which case the music copyright belongs to Chase the Music. All things are negotiable. Contact us for information, details and contracts. Of course not! We have professionals, amateurs… all types. The question to be asked is do you have love in your heart? If yes, then you’re right for a Chase the Music performer. Typically Chase the Music is granted a non-exclusive, eternal license to sell/distribute/share any music created for Chase the Music. The composer maintains copyright to the performance. Unless… the piece is done as work for hire, in which case the music copyright belongs to Chase the Music. All things are negotiable. Contact us for information, details and contracts. Excellent – we’re excited to hear from you! Signup to perform a piece for Chase the Music. Call us to discuss this. It’s a complex process and we’d love to work with you on a project. Chase the Music Yes, our bank and transaction processors are all international in nature. The donation page allows you to donate in your native currency. Our US IRS EIN (employer information number) is 45-5137624. Yes. See our Legacy Giving page for more information. Yes, just specify that with your donation and we’ll honor your request. So long as you haven’t requested not to be recognized, we may use your name in our promotional materials. If you have any special requests in the handling of this, please give us a call. Yes, our Legacy of Children and Music program is structured to accept your legacy gifts. Yes, but for complex donations, it’s best to contact us directly to arrange the details of the donation. Yes, but call us to coordinate the details. Thanks! Yes, please give us a call so that we can work out the details of the gift. Giving to Chase the Music is a personal decision. We know the work we are doing is amazing. It’s power of healing for the child, it’s engagement of the musicians, it’s force over parents, friends, audience, listeners is phenomenal. It’s a unique, powerful, impactful, long-term and exponentially impactful program. If that’s what you want do be part of, we thank you. It’s what we care about too. Our USA EIN number, issued by the IRS is 45-5137624. Yes! We are Platinum rated by GuideStar! Chase the Music believes in a holistic view of our space and the world. With that in mind, not only do we do the original music for children battling critical illness, but we also do a number of other things: Of course, Give us a call, or note it on the form when you make your donation so that we can apply it properly to the correct child / performance.
00
Hits: 50
00
Hits: 53
00
Hits: 40
00
Hits: 51
00
Hits: 50
00
Hits: 44
00
Hits: 57
00
Hits: 39
00
Hits: 31
00
Hits: 40
00
Hits: 28
00
Hits: 29
00
Hits: 47
00
Hits: 37
00
Hits: 36
00
Hits: 37
00
Hits: 22
00
Hits: 40
00
Hits: 44
10
Hits: 40
00
Hits: 27
00
Hits: 30
00
Hits: 16
2071 Rowell Dr
Lyons, CO 8054000
Hits: 11
00
Hits: 11
00
Hits: 12
00
Hits: 9
00
Hits: 10
00
Hits: 15
00
Hits: 9
00
Hits: 13
00
Hits: 14
00
Hits: 17
00
Hits: 19
00
Hits: 7
00
Hits: 22
Was this helpful?00
Hits: 29
10
Hits: 17
I first met Lauren and her family when she was only three years old. We hosted a chamber music party at our home, outside, in the mountains of Colorado. Lauren’s father performed at our chamber music party. He is a professor of music at the local university. Lauren’s mother is a flute and piccolo player in the Colorado Symphony. The family was excited as they were pregnant at the time, with Lauren’s little sister Amanda. Along with performing with the chamber orchestra, the father also performed the alpenhorn (think ‘Ricola’ commercials). The sound was amazing as it rolled through the hills. I enjoyed meeting this family immensely. They were a beautiful young family, and I found them very sociable and happy.
About six months after the performance, I got a call from a mutual friend, Dr. Karen Gregg, music director for the local high school. She told me that little Lauren had been diagnosed with Leukemia. The family was devastated, as was I. They weren’t personal friends, but that sweet little girl didn’t deserve this. No one does. I spoke to my wife and suggested that we get her a Teddy Bear. Not just any bear, but a really special one like someone had given our younger son. It was my son’s favorite bear. He had beans in his paws so they were real floppy. This bear was super cute, and hug-gable. However, while we were trying to locate the manufacturer, we realized most kids have a bunch of stuffed animals, and sick kids probably doubly so… No matter how special of a teddy bear we might find, it probably wouldn’t be “the one” and we realized we needed to find something else. Something with real meaning.
Not much later, I came upon the idea of having a piece of music composed for Lauren. It was the perfect idea – something unique, timeless, personal and truly meaningful. I spoke with Karen and asked her thoughts, and if her band would be interested in performing, if we could pull it together. She was! She took the idea to her book club (mostly other teachers and musicians), and they loved it too. Together we worked to find a composer. We lucked into Clint Needham, from Ohio. Clint had recently had twin boys. When we approached him and told him the story he stated, “I have to do this for Lauren and her family. As a father, I can’t imagine what they’re going through”.
Clint put together a beautiful piece of music entitled, “Chase the Morning Sun”. His thought was that no matter how tough life is, each evening know that tomorrow is a new day and you have to Chase the Morning Sun.
The piece was premiered at the Colorado Music Educators conference, in the Grand Ballroom of the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, by the Lyons High School band, who had been invited by blind audition.
I had planned on having Lauren and her family ride with the kids on the school bus. It’s about a two hour drive. One of the parents (a mom!) said, “Clark, are you crazy? What if she doesn’t feel well, if they need to leave, if…”. “I have a friend with a limo company. I’ll have him take care of them.” Sounded great! But, that morning, the limo died. The driver, knowing the story got on the phone and was able to obtain a stretch Excursion. This thing was HUGE! Lauren and her family came down like ROCK STARS!
Immediately before the performance, Karen introduced Lauren (and now her little sister Amanda) to the band. I’m sure half the band was crying, for they all knew the story, but this was their first time meeting Lauren. I thought, “Oh no! They won’t be able to perform…” However, the emotion helped them put everything they had into that performance. It was beautiful. The piece included flute and horn solos, in honor of Lauren’s parents. (Lauren picked right up on that!)
After the performance, Lauren looked up at me and said, “Clark, I’m never going to stop smiling!” I was tearful during the performance, and I could barely hold it together. This little girl had been through so much, was still going through chemotherapy, and yet was so sweet and appreciative.
After Chase the Morning Sun, I toyed with the idea of doing other pieces. Over the past four years we’ve done about one piece a year, as a side project to my regular employment and life. I’d formed “Chase the Music” with best intentions and genuine enthusiasm, but hadn’t been able to devote much time to it. This past December, I was granted IRS 501c3 status, and made the decision to put my full energy into this work. My dream became to make Chase the Music one of the premier non-profit in the world, providing healing music for children, opportunities for musicians and beautiful music for the people of the planet.
What strikes me about Chase the Music is its impact. It’s been much bigger than I’d expected. It wasn’t just impacting the children. Their families, the musicians and audiences, have all been deeply impacted. As more people hear about the things we’re doing, and hear the music, the more we’re changing lives for the better.
I am looking forward to the next chapters of Chase the Music. And Lauren, thanks to you, I’m never going to stop smiling either.
..Clark Hodge, Founder, Chase the Music
Mission
The mission of Chase the Music is to have original music composed and performed for children battling critical illnesses.
Vision
Our vision is that music with feeling is healing. We believe that for us to provide music to children that are facing health challenges, we are helping them get better. Families of these children are in need of support too. The musical gift helps them with their efforts in the situation. Friends are touched too. The musicians are a huge piece of this work. They are truly invested in the meaning underlying a Chase the Music piece. It’s more than just notes on a page. The audience participates and not only enjoys the music, but feels its power, building on its energy. After the premiere, the music is released ‘into the wild’. Future listeners and performers are touched by the music and by the story of its creation. The impact of Chase the Music is truly one where we don’t know the true extent of the impact made. What we do see is that these projects and events are making a difference in many people’s lives. We are convinced that what we don’t see is like the iceberg analogy. Under the surface Chase the Music is impacting many many people.
Dream
It is our dream that within only a few years, the Chase the Music name will be known and recognized worldwide as an organization doing amazing things for children, families, audiences and musicians. In our dream, “our” kids will be playing the pieces composed for them, for their grandchildren.
Mantra
Music with feeling. Music for healing.
Chase the Music creates music to help the children. We are working towards musical compositions being performed around the globe for the children. Help us realize that vision. Be a part of Chase the Music.
Donate
Give generously so that we may produce more music, for more children.
Perform
Compose, or perform a piece of original music
Volunteer
You can give in many ways. We’re always looking for folks willing to volunteer with Chase the Music operations and performances.
Impact
The impact that a Chase the Music gift isn’t limited to just the child. The power of the work is felt by many people. And time only increases the impact. For a Chase the Music gift isn’t something fixed in time, it is music, and music touches many people and survives the tests of time. The impact of the piece can be seen in these groups.
- Child and family
- Composer
- Performers
- Audience
- Future audiences and listeners
- Donors
We do this first and foremost for the child and their family. We want this piece to be a gift of music and love for all of time, something that is unique, and significant. We work hard to insure that the performance will be remembered forever, and the music will live on forever for them. At five years old, little Lauren said this after listening to her premiere:
“Clark, I’m never going to stop smiling.”
A pretty powerful statement, from a little girl who was undergoing chemo for her leukemia.
The impact then spreads to others.
Our composers are selected because of the meaning they bring to the piece. They have an emotional connection that ties together their musical creation and the child. Tim Smisek, composer, wrote this:
“Thanks again for asking me to be a part of this amazing project ???? Every time I tell someone about Chase The Music, they tear up… and I do too. So powerful.“
The composers work is then interpreted by a performing group.
This music for these performers is often like nothing else they’ve ever played. It was written for a special purpose, and they are acutely aware of the importance of the gift. They pour their hearts into the performances. At the very first Chase the Music performance, the child was introduced to the band – just minutes before the performance was to begin. Half the band was crying for this little girl. I was afraid we’d made a mistake, introducing her at that time. How would the performers pull themselves together? The emotion of what they were doing, and the gravity of the situation actually heightened their skills. They then performed better than they ever had in rehearsal.
Christopher “Tofu” Rives, 16, percussionist, said this about the performance:
“Music is fueled by emotion, and this is music at its best.“
The first time a Chase the Music piece is experienced is at it’s premiere. Everyone involved with the production is included, and we work to make sure that when possible, the child is able to engage with those that provided her gift. The coordinator, composer and musicians all want to reach out for the child. The performance is also for the general audience, and they are crucial to the event.
The audience at the premiere contribute love and energy to the piece. Their knowledge that they are part of a greater gift, of original music written and performed just for this child, at this moment, is something that really moves people. In return, they take that energy and move it forward. You can literally feel the positive energy and love at a Chase the Music performance.
Future audiences and listeners
After you involve the element of time, we are excited about the spread of the music to other performers in other places.
After the premiere, the composition is released and will be heard by future audiences and listeners. Sometimes the child’s story will accompany the piece, and other times it will not. It is this gift that leaves an impact much larger and for much longer than we will ever really appreciate. It is impossible to estimate this impact as it happens outside of our control. As part of our ‘pay it forward’ strategy, we provide the gift with no expectation of return.
Donors feel the impact too. They aren’t just making a donation, they are contributing to the building of a timeless gift. Not only a gift for a child, but a gift for humanity, now and future. Donor gifts can be directed, so that they know specifically what song can be attributed to their donation. Donor participation isn’t limited to the financial contribution, but also includes the enjoyment of being able to listen to the piece that their gift made a reality.
Future
Vision 2020
Our short term vision has us doing over 1,000 pieces per year, across the globe. Pretty much everywhere you can find children, you’ll also find musicians. Our task it to find those in great need, and pair them up with musicians with huge hearts, and coordinate premiere performances for them.
Vision 2120
Our 100 year plan sees Chase the Music as an ongoing and thriving institution. While we have hopes of dramatic medical improvements in the human condition, we also appreciate that there will still be trauma and little ones will still need a song for love, hope, strength and joy.