Baton Society

From the desk of Michael Christie’s Baton

Happy Summer!

Some people say the conductor has the “best seat in the house,” but I beg to differ. As Michael Christie’s Baton, I experience all the music that electrifies concertgoers and musicians, much like Harry Potter’s wand. Michael picks me up, and I begin my magic. Transferring the intense focus of my New West Symphony collaborators into waves of sound that surge through the hall is a role and a responsibility I take with great pride.

Whether it is a harmonious choir, brass players calling out from far away, or the gentlest turn of a string phrase that makes us hold our breath for a split second, creating music for you and our beloved community is my purpose. I get ecstatic as everyone in the orchestra follows my direction, and the audience explodes with applause. I can’t forget seeing tears well up as images of our American landscape were brought to life in Visions of America, or Rhapsody in Blue sounded like it was being created anew as it once was 100 years ago. Did you admire Cirque de la Symphonie’s contortionist who stretched her body so effortlessly while inspired by the gentle mood of Grieg’s Peer Gynt “Morning”?

That was me! I created that magic!

Every concert for me is a celebration of music like no other! Your reaction to what I do overwhelms me. Your passion for this community drives me to be as energized as I can in return.

I’m also the first to witness the brimming excitement of the young first-time concertgoers. Recently, I had the privilege of directing scores that elicited cheers from more than
5,000 children during our annual Symphonic Adventures concerts in Ventura County! I am so proud of the musicians, patrons, donors, volunteers, and overall organization. It takes all of us to make this magnificent live music possible.

I’m reaching out to you today to help me continue my important work by becoming a member of my Baton Society, the group of fans who help New West Symphony bring scores to life. Your generous donation will help me continue weaving melodies that resonate in every heart, young and old, and creating more moments of pure magic that transcend time and space. You know you are my heroes, don’t you?

With sincere thanks,
GRAMMY®-winning
Michael Christie’s Baton

For more information,contact Patricia Jones at
pjones@newwestsymphony.org
or call (805) 435-2775

Michael Christie's Baton

THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS and PERKS
TO BECOMING AN ANNUAL FUND DONOR

$1,000+
  • Recognition in the playbill as part of Baton Society
  • Recognition on the digital wall (Thousand Oaks)
  • Signed baton by Music Director Michael Christie
$1,500+
  • Recognition in the playbill as part of Baton Society
  • Recognition on the digital wall (Thousand Oaks)
  • Section Musician sponsorship recognition
  • Invitation to orchestra rehearsal
  • Signed baton by Music Director Michael Christie
$2,500+
  • Recognition in the playbill as part of
  • Baton Society Principal Musician sponsorship recognition
  • Recognition on the digital wall (Thousand Oaks)
  • Invitation to orchestra rehearsal
  • Invitations to exclusive donor appreciation events and receptions
  • Access to pre-concert events and receptions
  • Signed baton by Music Director Michael Christie
$5,000+
  • Recognition in the playbill as part of Baton Society
  • Associate/Assistant Concertmaster sponsorship recognition
  • Recognition on the digital wall (Thousand Oaks)
  • Invitations to orchestra rehearsal
  • Invitation to exclusive donor appreciation events and receptions
  • Access to pre-concert events and receptions
  • Invitation to Meet the Artist small group luncheon
  • Signed baton by Music Director Michael Christie
$10,000+
  • Recognition in the playbill as part of Baton Society
  • Concertmaster Sponsorship Recognition
  • Guest Artist Sponsorship – meal with guest artist at Meet the Artist, recognition from stage and on screen
  • Recognition on the digital wall (Thousand Oaks)
  • Invitation to orchestra rehearsal
  • Invitations to exclusive donor appreciation events and receptions
  • Access to pre-concert events and receptions
  • Complimentary pair of tickets to a NWS signature event (if available)*
  • Photo opportunity with the Music Director and/or guest artist
  • Signed baton by Music Director Michael Christie

 

All perks and benefits are subject to availability and can change at the discretion of the New West Symphony. The New West Symphony is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tax ID 77-0406042.

*This donor benefit includes goods or services. Donors can opt out of this benefit in order to receive
100% tax deductibility for their donation. Please consult with a financial professional for guidance.