Support

“Now, more than ever, securing the future of West Branch’s educational offerings and world-class music making depends on the support of scholarships to young artists.  To provide even half-scholarships to our 40 accepted applicants costs over $50,000.00 per session.  With college expenses, private lessons, and instrument maintenance, many of the students simply cannot afford even the reasonable tuition charged by the program.  I hope you will consider supporting the return of the Academy in 2012.”

Sincerely,
Odin Rathnam

How to Become a Sponsor

The West Branch International Music Festival and Academy is a private company. However, WBIMFA has as its non-profit conduit, the Else Borges Foundation, a Pennsylvania 501 (C3). Contributions may be made to the foundation to support scholarships for students attending the academy, student orchestral and chamber music performances, and more.

As a supporter of the Else Borges Foundation, your gifts help us nurture the musical talent of new generations working side by side with today’s leading international artists. Gifts of all sizes are needed and deeply appreciated. We would like to thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Levels of Support

  • Friend of the Scholarship Fund: $50-$99
    • Robert Kramer
    • Robert & Jacqueline Severini
  • Associate of the Scholarship Fund: $100-$249
    • “The Four Fishermen”
    • Majorie Fidler
  • Patron of the Scholarship Fund: $250-$499
  • Benefactor of the Scholarship Fund: $500-$999
    • Peter H. Bridge
    • Scott W. Hershey (Hershey Violins)
  • Tuition Scholarship Benefactor: $1,000 (*does not cover student’s room and board)
    • The Hall Foundation
    • Christopher & Lisa Blumhard
  • Full Fellowship Benefactor “Ashley Dietrich Memorial Scholarship”:$2,000
    • Wayne & Polly Dietrich
  • Silver Scholarship Benefactor: $2,001-$4,999
    • Anker Buch – Establishment of the Anker Buch Prize
  • Gold Scholarship Benefactor: $5,000-$9,999
  • Platinum Scholarship Benefactor: $10,000 or more
    • Else Borges Foundation for Arts Initiatives

Donate by Mail

Contributors can mail their checks to “Else Borges Foundation for Arts Initiatives” to:

Else Borges Foundation for Arts Initiatives
c/o West Branch International Music Festival and Academy
P.O. Box 126637
Harrisburg, PA 17112

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support!


  • Testimonials

    “It has been months since the conclusion of the last WBIMFA. Our daughter Lily had the good fortune of being part of that wonderful program. Not only did she have the privilege of receiving personal instructions from world-class musicians but was also immersed in a community with beautiful music, nature, and friendship of dedicated musicians. We are very grateful to you for making this experience possible through the generous scholarship from the Else Borges Foundation for Arts Initiatives. The impact on Lily of the two-week WBIMFA is immeasurable. Her cello playing and musical artistry has moved to a significantly higher level.”

    —Ying WuShanley, Father of Lily WuShanley, cello student