By: Jeffrey Stauffer, Director, The Elville Center for the Creative Arts
443-393-7696, jeff@elvilleassociates.com
Since its inception in mid-2014, The Elville Center for the Creative Arts, the firm’s 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, has partnered with local and regional businesses such as Music and Arts, WBJC 91.5 FM, and recently The Columbia Orchestra and local schools to provide musical instruments, musical instrument rental, music lessons, and participation in music-related activities to and for children of all ages throughout Maryland. The purpose of the Elville Center is to improve the quality of life of children of all ages by providing them the opportunity to learn music theory and application, experience cultural events related to the musical and creative arts, and to use music and the promotion of music-related activities to transcend social and economic divisions.
Over the months, generous donors have provided instruments ranging from clarinets to violins, flutes to cellos, trumpets to guitars and even a rare Hawaiian ukulele and African flute. The Elville Center then takes these instruments to its Music & Arts Center partner and pays for their refurbishment so students receive an instrument in excellent condition that The Elville Center is proud to deliver and the students are excited to play.
On January 13th, Stephen R. Elville, President and Founder of The Elville Center, met with the administration and teachers of Benjamin Tasker Middle School to provide the first flight of musical instruments and music supplies to the school’s students and music department. Plans are underway for future instrument donations as well as providing assistance for the school’s spring musical.
“I hope this event sparks the imaginations of other donors,” remarked Mr. Elville. “We are looking forward to continuing the project of re-equipping the Music Department at Benjamin Tasker and addressing the needs of music students throughout the region.”
In March, The Elville Center partnered with The Columbia Orchestra to sponsor the purchase of 30 tickets for children to attend its popular Young People’s Concert Series. The program included a “Carnival of the Animals,” which featured a combination of music and dance as well as “The Thrill of the Orchestra,” which introduced children to the various instruments and music from the hit Disney movie “Frozen.” In between the performances, students were given the opportunity to participate in a musical instrument petting zoo where they could touch and try to play the various instruments
In addition to individual and corporate donations, Elville and Associates contributes its own corporate funds to the Elville Center. It is the hope of Mr. Elville that this charitable initiative will continue to capture the imaginations and enthusiasm of our clients, business partners, and the community at large and will continue to grow in scope, culminating in the fulfillment of many dreams and a continuation of the music.
If you are interested in The Elville Center For The Creative Arts and would like to learn more, or if you would like to make a donation or pledge, please contact Jeff Stauffer at 443-393-7696 or via email at jeff@elvilleassociates.com. Personal meetings with Mr. Elville for discussion of The Elville Center are available upon request.