The daunting task of building a nonprofit organization from the ground up is not for the faint of heart, as Cheryl Brass could attest. Brass is the Creator and Program Coordinator of the newly minted East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra. In her quest to grow the young organization, Brass thought first to partner with the dynamic conductor Nate White as her Artistic Director, and then with the city of East Brunswick, fellow nonprofit organizations, and local businesses who understand that art acts as a powerful tool for community transformation. As Brass moved forward with building EBSO from the ground up, she would soon discover that the key to the organization’s success would be strategic, reciprocal cross-sector partnerships. These partnerships are now ushering forward an arts renaissance in East Brunswick that is reshaping the entire community.
Brass reflects, “Every day I learn something new. Starting an organization forces you to wear many hats, exercise skills that you may not be familiar with and immerse yourself fully in pursuit of your mission. For me, this has been a crash course in business, marketing, social media, production, and finance. People are often surprised to learn that my degrees are in Music Education. But as a musician, an educator, and a passionate community volunteer, it’s a joy to be able to learn and experience new things. In my role as Creator and Program Coordinator of the EBSO, I am constantly meeting wonderfully generous people who I can learn from and it is such an honor to be worthy of their time and talents.”
Not yet a full year into its tenure, the EBSO already has an enviable track record. Incorporated in April of 2024, Brass and White have offered the community of East Brunswick and its surrounding towns a number of professional grade productions and educational opportunities while remaining entirely dependent on charitable giving. This is a feat not to be undersold, as many in the nonprofit community know. The partnerships forged allowed for in-kind donations, including professional musicians volunteering their time and skills, without which performances such as “East Brunswick’s July 4th Fireworks Show & Concert ” would not have been able to enthrall thousands of audience members.
“This past January, we collaborated with the East Brunswick Education Foundation (EBEF) who has been providing grants for teachers to complete special projects and educational initiatives that benefit students in the East Brunswick Public Schools over the past 30 years. Together we held a concert called, “A Celebration for the Arts” where the audience enjoyed a performance by both the EBSO and the East Brunswick High School Honors Chamber Orchestra featuring works by Tchaikovsky and more,” explains Brass.
The East Brunswick Recreation and Parks Department has proven to be an essential partnership. The two work closely in order to manage the organization’s instrumental classes along with the East Brunswick Community Sinfonia, the community orchestra comprised of adult musicians (18 and over). Together they enhanced the spectacular July 4th Fireworks Show, which draws a crowd of thousands to celebrate the holiday, by adding an orchestral performance. In only their first year, they were able to engage professional musicians who volunteered their time for this concert and the local businesses contributed by providing a catered dinner for the artists. Grateful for these donations of time and talent early on, the EBSO is now excited to accept a grant from the Arts Institute of Middlesex County which will allow them to compensate the professional musicians performing in their second year.
As if that weren’t exciting enough, they have also recently become a proud partner of Revolution NJ with “big plans for upcoming celebrations.” The EBSO has also supported the East Brunswick Township’s 9/11 Ceremony, Memorial Day Traveling Wall Ceremony, East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce events and many more local events providing live music. All this before their first anniversary in April.
“Through our partnership with the East Brunswick Recreation and Parks Department we will continue to expand our ensembles in which adults can pursue their musical journey in a welcoming environment. I know the East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra and the East Brunswick Community Sinfonia under the direction of Nate White will flourish. We hope to collaborate with artists and organizations around the world and share our message of community engagement by bringing people together through the inspirational power of music.”
A popular question posed to fledgling startups is some variation of “why put yourself through this?” While many would resort to the simplest answer of nothing worth having comes easy, Cheryl digs deeper. Having grown up in the world of nonprofits, her parents not only volunteered frequently but held careers in the nonprofit sphere. She values the importance of volunteer work and service. She shares her belief that “in our society, volunteering is the highest form of giving.” A noble stance that she proves daily, running her own nonprofit while continuing to volunteer for outside organizations. However, it was nostalgia for her own desire to perform that first motivated the musician to consider founding a nonprofit.
“I spent over a decade supporting the public school music program in East Brunswick, establishing music programs for young learners in Montessori Schools and teaching private violin and viola lessons. However, I really missed playing in an orchestra myself and longed for the sense of community that being in an orchestra provides. One morning, I went for a run and realized, if you want it—build it.”
Thus, in April of 2024, recognizing an unmet need for performance opportunities for musicians and a vacancy in Middlesex County, Brass along with Nate White as the Artistic Coordinator, created the East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra (EBSO), a professional orchestra and nonprofit organization. The EBSO established a partnership with the East Brunswick Recreation, Parks & Community Services Department to offer adult instrumental music classes and launched the East Brunswick Community Sinfonia—the only community orchestra in Middlesex County.
“The East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra was created to bring people together through the inspirational power of music. We work to provide performing arts opportunities for both professional and amateurs who want to play alongside fellow musicians in an orchestra. We also strive to foster instrumental learning for adults so that they can continue to hone their skill and play in ensembles. It is never too late to enrich your life through music.”
There are many opportunities to get involved with the East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra, whether you’d like to join their Sinfonia community ensemble or volunteer your time with administrative aid or event help. You can register to join the Community Sinfonia here or send an inquiry to ebso@ebsomusic.org.
While not planned as an anniversary celebration, the EBSO's upcoming fundraiser will take place just after the organization turns one. “A Night at the Cantina” and “May the 4th Be With Us” are the Star Wars themed fundraising concerts offering the opportunity for supporters to become “jedis of generosity.” Combination tickets are available at ebsomusic.org/events.
Cheryl Brass’ commitment to institutional partnerships is a guide post, exemplifying the notion that collaboration is an essential way forward for nonprofits, businesses, and municipal entities alike. When one’s success is beholden to another, all are the beneficiaries of its accomplishments.
