Behind the Curtain

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a wcfsymphony performance? Our Behind the Curtain crowdfunding projects give you an inside look at what it takes to bring world-class performances to the stage—while offering you the chance to make a direct impact by helping fund new equipment, instruments, and programs!

2024 Behind the Curtain Project

From percussion instruments to chairs and stand lights, the right equipment is essential to a symphony’s success, ensuring musicians have everything they need for an exceptional performance. This year, we’ve identified two key priorities that will enhance the experience for both our musicians and conductor, Jason Weinberger: acoustic sound shields and a new conductor’s stand. Learn more about these important additions below!

WE DID IT! Thanks to our incredible donors, we raised $6,000 in just three weeks!

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!

Anonymous
Jim Johnston
Martha Kroese
Brad & Sandy Jensen
Susan & Todd Munnik
Rich & Rita Congdon
Chris Lorenz
Kate Hahn
Fredrick Meyer
Mary Nielsen
Diane Knoop
Janet Holden
Gary Kroeger
Bard & Nadine Mackey
George & Mary Ellen Warren
Judith Harrington
Stan & Marnell Lyle
Carol Schaffner
Annette Pease
Jan Largent
Cynthia Bancroft & Dennis Smithe
Marleta Matheson
Todd & Carolyn Holcomb
Ron & Denise Flory
David Zellhoefer
Brian & Lorraine Bratvold

Joel & Linda Haack
Dianne Phelps
Kathleen Goodyear
John Keiser
Connie Herbon
Jeri Karr
John & Carolyn Christman
Diana Blake
Barbara Dowd
Gerald & Susan McGlaughlin
Jen & Timothy Boller
Phyllis Hillers
Russ & Diane Curtis
Terry & Ann Seliga
Linda Holvik & Philip Tetzloff
Ken Baughman & Leandra Sunseri
James & Nancy Stevenson
Phillip & Linda Gansen
Steven Klabunde
Janet Miller
Tom Barry
Cathie Miehe
Donna Hoffman
Mary Jo Piech
Jordan Bancroft
Dr. David & Sharon Walker

Stretch Goal ACHIEVED! Thanks to your wonderful support, WE DID IT!

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we not only met our original goal but also reached our stretch goal of $5,000—allowing us to purchase our very own set of concert tom drums! We are so grateful for your support in making this possible. Thank you for helping us bring this long-awaited addition to the symphony!

What are concert toms?
Concert toms are larger drums, typically ranging from 10" to 20" in diameter. While toms are commonly found in drum sets, concert toms are specially designed for the acoustics of a concert hall. Their sound varies based on size, producing a deep, resonant, and more defined pitch when played.

Concert toms are a staple in symphonic music. If you attended our September 21 concert, you likely heard them featured prominently in the Jerod Tate piece! Thanks to your generosity, we no longer have to rent them—we've officially reached our $5,000 goal have purchased our very own set of four concert toms! Your support has made this long-awaited investment a reality. Thank you!

THANK YOU for unlocking these fun challenges!

$1,000 raised = 3 sound shields - COMPLETED!
Bethany Brooks, our former Development Director, dyed part of her hair blue in honor of the symphony!

$2,200 raised = 7 sound shields - COMPLETED!
Although the woodwind section didn’t end up wearing party hats at our New Year's Eve concert, the celebration was still unforgettable! Thanks for your enthusiasm and support—we love bringing fun ideas to life with you!

$3,000 raised = 7 sound shields & conductor stand - COMPLETED!
Maestro Jason Weinberger successfully biked two custom routes in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, creating a special design on the map! We’ve shared the routes so anyone can ride them and join in the fun!

ACOUSTIC SOUND SHIELDS

Did you know the brass section is the second loudest in the orchestra, with percussion taking the top spot? Sitting right in front of them, the woodwind section experiences the full impact of their powerful sound. At times, this can make it challenging for them to hear the rest of the orchestra, which may impact their performance.

Thanks to your support, we’ve successfully provided our woodwind musicians with seven new acoustic sound shields! These transparent shields, priced at just over $300 each, attach easily to musicians' chairs, helping deflect sound waves away from the woodwinds while maintaining clear sightlines for the brass section.

wcfsymphony woodwind section (Labor Day, 2024)

Protect the Woodwinds!

NEW CONDUCTOR STAND

Out with the old and in with the new! After 22 years with wcfsymphony, Maestro Jason Weinberger finally has a brand-new conductor’s stand! His previous stand had already been in use when he arrived and served through countless concerts.

Thanks to your support, we now have a sturdy, reliable stand to hold even the largest conductor scores for years to come!