Desk Drawer Fund, MSUFCU’s Foundation, paves the way for community music programming in Traverse City: Commits $500,000 to Traverse Symphony Orchestra’s new music center
TRAVERSE CITY, MICH (March 18, 2024) — At the Traverse Symphony Orchestra (TSO) concert held Sunday, March 17, at Corson Auditorium, two significant announcements marked the occasion. The Desk Drawer Fund, MSU Federal Credit Union’s foundation, proudly announced a generous commitment of $500,000 dedicated to the construction of the new TSO music center to name the Rehearsal Hall. Additionally, the TSO announced its decision to rebrand as the Traverse City Philharmonic (TC Phil), coinciding with the opening of the new music center this fall, which will be named the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. Online updates reflecting the new name will be effective June 1.
The TSO has been a pillar of cultural enrichment for 72 years, both as the leading professional orchestra in Northern Michigan and through educational opportunities to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The new Traverse City Philharmonic Center, located in the former K-Mart at Cherryland Mall, will expand the TSO’s community impact significantly. The TSO’s new home will provide space for classes, lessons, and offices in addition to the Desk Drawer Fund Rehearsal Hall.
The Desk Drawer Fund’s contribution will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of arts education in the Traverse City community and surrounding counties with the new Traverse City Philharmonic Center. From Parent and Baby classes, Suzuki lessons for children as young as three or four years old, private music lessons for all ages, and additional ensembles for youth through seniors, this new music center allows expanded programming in ways that weren’t possible for the TSO without their own building.
“This lead gift commitment from MSUFCU’s Foundation, the Desk Drawer Fund, exemplifies their dedication to enriching the cultural fabric of our community,” said Dr. Kedrik Merwin, Executive Director of the TSO. “It’s an exciting chapter in our history, and we wouldn’t be able to give back to the community with this new music center without this type of visionary partner. By naming the Rehearsal Hall, MSUFCU and its foundation are shining examples of what it means to cultivate the arts in our community.”
The 4,800 sq. ft. Rehearsal Hall will serve as a versatile space for rehearsals for all the ensembles, as well as a space large enough for smaller concerts and recitals, seating approximately 200 people in the audience. The Desk Drawer Fund’s support ensures that this space will be both beautiful and functional for rehearsing and performing, promoting an environment conducive to creativity and artistic excellence.
“On behalf of the Desk Drawer Fund Board and donors, we are proud to support the Traverse Symphony Orchestra’s vision for a new music center,” said April Clobes, President and CEO of MSUFCU, the founding member of the Desk Drawer Fund. “The Credit Union’s commitment to our core value of giving back to community is evident in the support our Foundation provides to the communities where our members and donors live and work. Our dedication to community enrichment aligns seamlessly with the orchestra’s mission to inspire and educate through music. Naming the Rehearsal Hall is an investment in the cultural legacy of our community, fostering a love for music that will resonate for generations to come.”
The Traverse Symphony Orchestra and the Desk Drawer Fund invite the community to join in celebrating this exciting collaboration at the opening of the Traverse City Philharmonic Center this fall. Stay up to date on the new music center project at TraverseSymphony.org.
About Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)
Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 13 consecutive years, and a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winner for seven consecutive years. MSUFCU has also been certified as a Great Place to Work® for 10 consecutive years and has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. The Credit Union operates an award-winning, wholly owned credit union service organization, Reseda Group; along with digital financial platforms AlumniFi and Collegiate; trade name Oakland University Credit Union; and its foundation, the Desk Drawer Fund. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 24 branches; over 350,000 members; $7.61 billion in assets; and more than 1,100 employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.
About Traverse Symphony Orchestra
The Traverse Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra serving Northern Michigan, creating educational opportunities and community enrichment through excellence in symphonic and other musical experiences. For more information, visit traversesymphony.org.
About Desk Drawer Fund
The Desk Drawer Fund was established in 2019 to empower MSU Federal Credit Union and Oakland University Credit Union members, employees, and other businesses to invest in our local communities and help them flourish. The Fund focuses on supporting organizations within its five philanthropic pillars — Arts and Culture, Empowering Youth, Financial Education, Fostering Entrepreneurialism, and Stable Housing — with charitable grants, volunteering, and other resources. To date, more than $2.1 million has been distributed. Among other sources, income is generated through employee contributions; new/existing credit union members; and a quarterly raffle. For more information, visit deskdrawerfund.org.
