News From Britt Hill – February 2019
Why did Britt change the announcement schedule and membership benefits? “For the times, they are a changin’.” ~Bob Dylan
As the year 2019 begins, it might help some people to be reminded about changes made in our announcement schedule last season—one that we plan to continue this year. In 2018, we rolled out the new Three Announcement Schedule—February, March and April. Some of our patrons might have been surprised as we broke the longtime tradition of announcing all concerts in April. Why? Well—the times, they did change. Based on our year-end membership survey, the overwhelming majority of members were enthusiastic about this schedule modification as Britt was directly responding to many suggestions from folks who wanted to plan their summers sooner. They want to take vacations but not during their favorite concerts, of course.
The decision to make earlier announcements was also driven by increasing artist requirements for earlier announcements. Many artists want to announce their summer concert tours early to give them all the time available to sell tickets. They work closely with our marketing team to get the shows announced as soon as possible.
Even so, we aren’t able to announce the full summer line-up in February or March because we are still negotiating contracts into April. So multiple announcements make sense.
With all this taken into consideration, the Membership Drive changed, too, and continues this year in the same way. Coupons and discounts of the past are now replaced with Credits. Credit amounts vary based on Membership level: ranging from $15 to $500 and are applied toward the first ticket purchase and any purchases thereafter until the entire credit has been used—instant savings! The credit system greatly simplifies the order form. No more math is required to figure out discounts as in the past. Members-only presale periods are included with each announcement.
What didn’t change? The reasons to become a member did not change. Britt is a non-profit, community-supported organization and ticket sales provide only 60% of Britt’s operating expenses. Your contribution:
- Brings incredible artists to the Britt stage in a variety of genres.
- Reaches more students with Britt’s music education programs.
- Supports your Britt Festival Orchestra.
So how do you navigate the multiple announcements as a member? Our recommendation is to purchase tickets for any artist you want to see as soon as your membership level allows, when each announcement is made. For non-members, check our website www.brittfest.org after each announcement to find out when the general public can purchase tickets and place your order online. First announcement is February 15.