November 4, 2023

Education Challenge

We know you love the exquisite experience of Opus Ball, but the night is even sweeter as your attendance and support puts instruments in the hands of children, provides scholarships for participation in all ASO’s education programs, and allows us to reach thousands of students across the state through in-school music education and children’s concerts.

Funds raised through Opus Ball support ASO’s many exciting music education programs, which serve children ages 4-18 across the state. Any child needing financial assistance to participate receives scholarships, ensuring that economic barriers do not restrict the development of musical talent.

Your attendance and support at Opus XXXVIII help expand these programs to more students, grades, and schools in Arkansas.

If you are unable to attend Opus Ball, there are many ways to still show your support for music education for children across the state!

A gift to the Simmons Bank is a great way to support Opus Ball and music education for children throughout Arkansas. This year’s goal of $100K is the largest ever! Simmons Bank will match funds raised through the Education Challenge, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000

Live and Silent Auctions

The live and silent auctions are critical to the overall Opus Ball fundraising effort. If you would like to support through a donation to the Opus Ball live or silent auction, contact Lindsey at lcosio@arkansassymphony.org.
The silent auction will be available to bid beginning on Wednesday, October 5th. You do not have to be present at Opus Ball to win silent auction packages.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Lindsey at (501) 666-1761, ext. 114 or lcosio@arkansassymphony.org.

Patrons' Party

Check back soon for information about this years' Patrons' Party!

About The Opus Ball

The Opus Ball, Arkansas Symphony’s annual gala fundraiser, was established 39 years ago to raise funds for the ASO’s statewide education programs. Opus provides financial support for our many exciting music education programs, including:

• The ASO String Academy, serving over 400 elementary age children across the state, many who otherwise have little to no access to music education,
• ASO Youth Ensembles which consist of more than 150 older children and teens from over 37 Arkansas communities,
• The Bucket Band, which uses accessible, everyday objects to teach rhythm and teamwork at multiple after school sites in central Arkansas.
• The Children’s Concert, which reached over 23,000 students across the state through our virtual concert last spring.

These programs have allowed thousands of students across Arkansas to experience hands on music education through private and group instrument lessons, class and school demonstrations, and interactive performances.

Many of ASO’s music education programs serve schools in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods where greater than 50% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. ASO also works with these schools to offer programs at a cost that the schools can afford. Additionally, any child participating in the ASO String Academy or the Youth Ensembles needing financial assistance receives scholarships, ensuring that economic barriers do not restrict the development of musical talent.

Your attendance and support at Opus XXXVIII helps expand these programs to more students, grades, and schools in Arkansas.

Additionally, the Simmons Bank Education Challenge provides funding for these quality music education programs. Through this Challenge, Simmons Bank matches every donation dollar for dollar. We sincerely appreciate your past attendance and generosity. We hope you will consider renewing your support of the Education Challenge.