ABOUT SAM

The School of American Music is Michiana’s musical connection. The School of American Music was founded by D. Garth Taylor in 2012 to serve as a music resource in southwest Michigan. Over a span of 10 years, he built a student population up from one in 2012, to more than 100 students in 2022, assisted by a full Board of Directors and Priscilla Hellenga, who served as the first Executive Director, and Donna M. Mitchell who succeeded Priscilla in that role in 2017.

Today the School of American Music offers Harbor Country an array of services, including free concerts, music enrichment assemblies and after-school instruction in local public schools, and outdoor singalongs and music festivals.

The board is composed of volunteer community members who actively support its mission to provide education, performance, and audience opportunities in music and the related arts in the Southwest Michigan area. The school is supported by individuals, merchants, and foundations who recognize the cultural value SAM brings to the area.

Our VISION works toward an inspired, inclusive community united and enriched by the joy and love of music.

Our MISSION provides opportunities for area residents and visitors to participate in the arts and in educational programs.

We Value:

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
We offer programs only when there are highly qualified people to lead them.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We operate a community institution based on transparency, fairness and openness to all in participation and governance.

AFFORDABILITY
We strive to keep fees low and provide scholarships to all those in need.

OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
We support local artists and teachers, who are vital to our quality of life.

SUSTAINABILTY
We have launched an endowment fundraising campaign to ensure financial security and the ability to continue to provide programs. Click here to contribute to the Future Fund; all donations are matched dollar for dollar by the Michiana Arts Foundation.

Milestones:

2012

  • School of American Music incorporated as a Michigan charity, receives IRS 501(c)3 tax-exempt status

  • Priscilla Hellenga volunteers to be executive director

  • 1 student is enrolled

2013

  • Three Oaks Twp Library makes available four rooms for lessons, administration

  • 20 students

  • Volunteer teachers, lesson fees go to operations support

  • First Pokagon Fund grant, for scholarships, equipment

  • First student recital -- Edgewater Methodist Church, New Buffalo

2014

  • Recruit teachers from local symphony orchestras

  • Some teachers are paid, others volunteer and donate lesson fees

2015

  • Three Oaks Village makes former Village Hall on Maple St. available for teaching, performances

  • State of Michigan Place-Making Grant, GoFundMe Campaign and local donations ultimately invest $100,000 + in Three Oaks Arts & Education Center

  • 40 students

2017

  • Donna Mitchell becomes second volunteer executive director

  • 70 students

2018

  • Music programs in River Valley Elementary Schools begin

  • 80 students

2020

  • Launch Endowment Campaign ($500,000) to fund paid staff, unanticipated needs

  • 100 students

  • During Covid ... scholarships up to 90% subsidy

  • Foundation support for expanded scholarship program

2022

  • Launched Corporate Sponsorship Campaign to support scholarships and operating expenses

  • 130 students

  • Scholarships up to 60% subsidy

  • 19th and 20th student recitals