Our Impact
About Grace Notes
The WHY Behind Grace Notes
The WHY Behind Grace Notes
Welcome to Grace Notes, where the transformative power of music takes center stage in the lives of diverse adolescents and young adults. Our mission is to provide life-changing music performance tour scholarships, unlocking opportunities for individuals who, like you, believe in the immense impact of a small note that leads to something greater.
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The WHY Behind Grace Notes
The WHY Behind Grace Notes
The WHY Behind Grace Notes
Grace Notes was born out of a personal journey, one deeply intertwined with the world of drum corps music tours. These tours became a life-altering experience for our founders, Jon Randall and Colin McNutt, a journey that ultimately shaped the trajectory of their lives. Their success story is a testament to the profound impact of learning
Grace Notes was born out of a personal journey, one deeply intertwined with the world of drum corps music tours. These tours became a life-altering experience for our founders, Jon Randall and Colin McNutt, a journey that ultimately shaped the trajectory of their lives. Their success story is a testament to the profound impact of learning, perseverance, and hard work, lessons instilled by their parents and nurtured through the rigor of mastering a craft.
However, the path to greatness was not without its challenges. The financial burden of participating in drum corps tours was a formidable obstacle. There came a summer when the dream seemed out of reach, as Jon had to toil to make ends meet while attending college at UMass. But determination knows no bounds. In the following summer, the last chance to participate, a plea for help was extended to everyone Jon knew and then some. The request was simple: donate a small amount to fund this potentially life-changing tour. The response was overwhelming. People from all walks of life believed in his journey and generously donated, enabling that crucial final tour.
The gratitude that swelled in Jon's heart was immeasurable. He was moved by the support he received and, in return, penned heartfelt thank-you letters and other communications to share his invaluable learnings after the tour.
Years later, after years of hard work and financial stability, Jon was eager to give back. This noble desire found a partner in a close friend, Colin McNutt, who often had players in need of financial support for their tour expenses. And thus, Grace Notes was born.
A grace note in music is a small, unassuming note that comes just before the grand crescendo. Similarly, a small donation, combined with the life-changing benefits of a music tour, can lead to something truly remarkable. Grace Notes seeks to provide a pathway for those who, like Jon, need assistance with their tour fees, paving the way for future success.
Our Vision
The WHY Behind Grace Notes
Our Scholarship Selection Process
At Grace Notes, we envision a world where access to exclusive music tours is expanded, reaching more young individuals who possess the potential for a life-altering transformation. Our focus is on diversity, inclusivity, and empowering the next generation to find their path to success—resources and services to those in need.
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Our Scholarship Selection Process
Our Scholarship Selection Process
Our Scholarship Selection Process
Our scholarship selection process combines financial need and merit-based criteria. We provide opportunities to prospective performers in Drum Corps International groups, aged between 15 and 21, hailing from diverse backgrounds. These individuals, facing financial barriers, will not only embark on a musical journey but will also acquire e
Our scholarship selection process combines financial need and merit-based criteria. We provide opportunities to prospective performers in Drum Corps International groups, aged between 15 and 21, hailing from diverse backgrounds. These individuals, facing financial barriers, will not only embark on a musical journey but will also acquire essential life skills such as a strong work ethic, the art of mastery (transferable to any craft), and leadership abilities. Past scholarship recipients are invited to mentor current scholars, fostering an enriching exchange of experience, learning, and expanding networks.
Our Supporters
Our Scholarship Selection Process
Our Supporters
The heartbeat of Grace Notes has always been its individual donors. What started as a one-donor, one-scholarship initiative in 2006 has grown into a formal entity, an S-Corp, established in 2017, and granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 2022. The dedication and generosity of individual donors have enabled us to provide $17,500 in scholarships to 62 deserving individuals in 2023.
Join Us
Help Our Cause
Grace Notes is an invitation, an opportunity, and a call to action. We invite you to join us in making a profound difference in the lives of those who need assistance in pursuing their dreams. Your support can be the grace note that changes someone's life forever.