News From Britt Hill – December 2016/January 2017

This year Britt enjoyed an enthusiastic response to the Crater Lake Project, the Britt Orchestra Season and our Popular Music line-up. Out of 45 concerts performed on Britt’s main stage and in the Performance Garden, overall attendance was over 64,000, with an average attendance of 1720 patrons per main stage concert. Ten concerts sold out. Overall attendance numbers are up compared to previous years, which have been averaging around 60,000 since 2011. It is encouraging to think about how these numbers impact our small businesses. From restaurants to boutique hotels, we all benefit.

Britt also planned and implemented one of the most in-depth education programs the organization has ever designed. Since 1985, Britt’s Education Programs have been providing quality music education opportunities which have grown and evolved into support programs that reach people of all ages and skill levels. The three pillars of our education programs are: In-school Residencies, the Children’s Concert Series, offered free to the public and drawing capacity crowds, and our Orchestral Fellowship Program, which invites adult students to perform and learn with the orchestra’s musicians. Britt strives to help new generations discover the wonder of music in order to enrich the depth and vitality of the community we serve. Britt served 10,000 students and their families this year.

Britt’s leadership is also working hard to develop standards and meet the expectations that our patrons have come to value. With this in mind, Britt will be making another sizeable capital investment. Once again, Britt is moving forward with physical improvements centered on major upgrades to the upper concessions area. The work will include an expanded food court, improved access, electrical upgrades, and a remodel of the concessions buildings including a commercial kitchen. And equally importantly, we will be introducing exciting new food options to include some of your favorite local eateries next year. Stay tuned…

We believe that there is great value in improving the concessions, as such improvements demonstrate to our patrons and the community our continued commitment to Jacksonville and the Britt Experience.

On behalf of the Britt Team, I wish to express our sincere gratitude and wish you all a very Happy New Year.