Durango music education organization Stillwater Music is celebrating two decades of bringing music education to the region this month – and the nonprofit has launched a matching funds campaign to support its future.
Stillwater Music – which offers music education through group classes, ensembles, private lessons, inclusive programs and school-based partnerships – is “dedicated to creating accessible, inclusive, and high-quality music education for people of all ages and abilities in Southwest Colorado,” according to a release by the organization. About 1,500 students are served annually at 23 locations in and around Durango, including from the Stillwater Music building at 1316 Main Ave., the release said.
The organization, which joined forces with Bayfield’s Be Frank Foundation in July, was recognized as Nonprofit of the Year by the Durango Chamber of Commerce at last year’s Durango Rocks awards ceremony.
Executive Director Jana Leslie attributes Stillwater’s longevity to the organization’s affinity for growth and adaptability; its intention of creating a space where music belongs to everyone – not just advanced or naturally talented musicians; and, most importantly, its ability to bring happiness to students.
“The heartbeat has always been joy,” Leslie said. “You walk into Stillwater and you hear laughter, songs in progress and people trying things they’ve never done before. That energy keeps this place alive.”
As part of the 20-year celebration, the nonprofit launched a $100,000 end-of-year matching gift campaign created by Stillwater’s founders. The matching fund will double every donation made through the end of the year.
Donations will be put toward band and orchestra programs, scholarships, in-school programs and inclusive music programs, according to the organization’s website.
Leslie said the matching campaign is about more than doubling dollars – it will increase access to need-based scholarships, quality instruments, trained teachers and safe spaces.
“Matching campaigns are powerful because they turn individual generosity into something exponential,” Leslie said. “One person says, ‘I believe in this,’ and suddenly two, five, 10 others realize their gift matters more right now than ever. ... A match allows us to say ‘Yes’ when a family needs help; ‘Yes’ when a student wants to stay; ‘Yes’ when a new program is needed.”
Learn more
To learn more about Stillwater Music and the organization’s end-of-year matching gift campaign, visit www.stillwatermusic.org.
The 20-year milestone isn’t just about celebrating the organization’s past, Leslie said, but also about working to build its future and continue bringing music education and valuable experiences to the community.
“Twenty years is a milestone – but what excites me most is what’s ahead,” she said.
“We want the community to know, when they think about Stillwater that it’s not just music – it’s confidence. It’s belonging. It’s a lifelong relationship with creativity. It’s learning what can result in our lives through perseverance. That’s the true impact we’re making in our beautiful little corner of the world.”
epond@durangoherald.com
