Director's Note: We're Back!
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Notes, the re-invented and re-designed newsletter of the Museum of Making Music. This new publication will not attempt to tell you about ev-erything that has happened, is happening, or will happen at the Museum… We tried that. (Remember InTune?) It didn’t really work. (One major reason was because there’s just too much going on here at the Museum!)
Instead, Notes will showcase some of the Museum projects, programs or special moments that we feel are of particular interest and value to you—our supporters and members. Notes will be mailed out three times a year and will complement the other communications you already receive from us, which include weekly e-blasts, monthly printed calendars, special invitations and letters. They are all part of an informational package that we hope keeps you up-to-date and engaged with the Museum.
Although we’re very excited about the new content and look of this revised newsletter, we realize a few tweaks or refinements may be needed over the next couple of issues. Call it a work in progress. So let us know what you think about Notes, since we are always looking to improve. After all, this is a publication that is designed to serve you.
The re-invention of the newsletter is just one of the exciting initiatives included in the Museum’s new Strategic Plan (2014-2016). This plan incorporates a freshly honed Mission Statement, a Vision Statement that aligns with NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants, the global association with which we are affiliated), a clarification of our Core Beliefs, and a series of goals with related outcomes to achieve over the next three years.
We don’t have room to print the whole Strategic Plan here—and that’s probably a good thing—because even though we’re very excited about the goals and objectives articulated in the Plan, let’s face it, these types of documents can be pretty dry. But, this new Plan was not written just to be filed in a drawer. Rather, it’s a document that guides the staff on a daily basis and in upcoming issues of Notes, we hope to be able to show you how the priorities of the Plan are integrated and incorporated into every aspect of the Museum’s many programs and initiatives.
That said, I think it’s important to share at least the Museum’s Vision and Mission with you at this time:
VISION: We envision a world in which the joy of making music is a precious element of daily living for everyone; a world in which every child has a deep desire to learn music and a recognized right to be taught; and in which every adult is a passionate champion and defender of that right.
MISSION: The Museum of Making Music explores the accomplishments and impact of the music products industry through educational and interactive exhibitions and programs, and directly connects visitors with hands-on music making. These are the words that inspire us daily and guide our work as we explore and celebrate the process of music making—that enduring creative relationship between people, musical instruments and the music we make. We hope you’ll join us on this journey of discovery.
