Sponsors of Musical Enrichment

STOCKTON, CA – April 11, 2013 – In keeping with it’s mission of supporting local music organizations and the performing arts, the Sponsors of Musical Enrichment has selected Stockton based Sunflower Presents to receive a $500 Grant to support their programs.

The Board Members from Sunflower Presents receive a $500 Grant Check from the Sponsors of Musical Enrichment.
From Sunflower: Joanne Waters, President; Dennis Burtt, Board Member; Jamie Davis, Treasurer; Donna Eriksen, Past President; and from S.O.M.E.: Jeff DeMello.

Sunflower Presents is a California, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which provides live entertainment to the confined and disabled, helps them re-establish contacts with the outside community and nurtures their individual worth. Founded by Marian Jacobs and Marilyn Robertson in 1977, Sunflower Presents continues the founders tradition of bringing the arts to those less fortunate in San Joaquin County. For more information, see sunflowerpresents.org

The Sponsors of Musical Enrichment is a non-profit California corporation founded in 1978 for the purpose of supporting local music organizations and the performing arts on a continuing basis. 100% of all funds raised by this organization are reinvested in the local community. Since its inception in 1978, S.O.M.E. has granted over $2,500,000 to over one hundred deserving groups and individuals.

ROSEMONT, CA – April 1, 2013 – “This isn’t an ‘April’s Fool’ joke!”, stated Jeff DeMello, as he presented a $500 Grant check to Rosemont High School’s Music Director, Robin Wilmer during a RHS Band rehearsal. “We are happy to support another great performing arts group.”, states Jeff DeMello, CFO of S.O.M.E. Among the cheers of the RHS Band, Ms. Wilmer gladly accepted the grant check on behalf of the Rosemont High School Band Boosters.

The Rosemont High School Instrumental Music Program is composed of dedicated, enthusiastic, respectful musicians striving for the highest standards of musical excellence. Every effort is made to create a culture where lasting self-esteem is achieved through real accomplishment. Each member performs as part of a unit. The cohesiveness of each ensemble — whether it is the string orchestra, symphonic band, concert band, marching band, color guard, winter guard or winter percussion — serves to define a unique, familial group where bonds of loyalty and caring are commonly expressed through words and actions. Students who participate in more than one ensemble will find their musical acumen matures more quickly, so that is encouraged. Within each ensemble, individuals have the opportunity to generate their own excitement and enthusiasm. They do this while developing talents, skills and character that will contribute to each group’s strengths and capabilities. This in turn dramatically increases a student’s prospects for personal success, both academically and socially, now and in the years ahead.

Rosemont High School also assisted S.O.M.E. in 2012 by providing a housing and rehearsal site for the National Champion Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, who performed at the 2012 Moonlight Classic, sponsored by S.O.M.E. And, in addition, a number of Rosemont HS Band members “gave back to the community” and donated their free time to assist in running the Moonlight Classic.

“We look forward to continuing our great relationship with the Rosemont High School Band Program”, says Mike Canote, President of S.O.M.E. “as well as other Central Valley music organizations.

The Sponsors of Musical Enrichment is a non-profit California corporation founded in 1978 for the purpose of supporting local music organizations and the performing arts on a continuing basis. 100% of all funds raised by this organization are reinvested in the local community. Since its inception in 1978, S.O.M.E. has granted over $2,500,000 to over one hundred deserving groups and individuals.

Rosemont High School Music Director Robin Wilmer accepts $500 Grant check from S.O.M.E.’s Jeff DeMello.

Jim Ott Brass Ensemble receives $1,500 Grant check from the Sponsors of Musical Enrichment.

“We are happy to support another great San Joaquin Valley performing arts group.”, states Mike Canote, President of SOME. “In the short time that they have been in existence, they have well represented the music of Jim Ott, the City of Stockton, and the Drum Corps activity.”

The Jim Ott Brass Ensemble (JOBE) was started in 2011 by Bonnie Ott Thompson (sister of Jim Ott), Roy Perez, and Bill Collins. They have performed as “gate entertainment” for numerous Oakland Raiders games, as well as performing at many Stockton venues, including the Asparagus Festival, Friday Night in Lincoln Center, Music in the Park, and local parades and drum corps shows. JOBE was formed to honor the memory of Jim Ott, a talented Stockton composer who died in an automobile accident in the early ’80s. Jim’s extensive music library was resurrected by his wife Maggie, who donated all of his hundreds of music charts to Jim’s sister Bonnie, so they could be played once again. “This is a labor of love for us”, said Bonnie Ott Thompson, “and I think Jim would be proud to see his music live on”.

The Sponsors of Musical Enrichment have also been fortunate to have Hal “Pops” Ott, father of Jim Ott, on our Board of Directors since our inception. “The Ott family has been instrumental (pun intended), to the Performing Arts”, states Mr. Canote.