Mimi Dye — Director

TOPAZ is a chamber ensemble committed to using the arts to build community spirit and awareness through benefit concerts for worthy organizations, in-the-school music programs for young people, and performances at Stanford Hospital and other institutions dedicated to healing and service.

TOPAZ is a world-class performing ensemble that explores the relationships between the various music genres of classical, jazz, and world music, the role of improvisation in music making, and that breaks down barriers that artificially divide the vast realm of music into isolated segments.

TOPAZ is committed to composing, commissioning, and performing new works.

TOPAZ believes in the role of the arts in our modern world as a living force for beauty, healing, and community service. TOPAZ is dedicated to empowering women in the arts as performers, educators, composers, and innovative leaders.

Introduction to Programs

I. Benefit Concerts

Carefully designed and coordinated local concerts performed by members of  TOPAZ and including classical, jazz, and world music selections.  TOPAZ staff works closely with the development staff of the chosen charities to ensure meaningful exposure, strong attendance, and increased awareness of the charities’ missions.

II. In-the-School Music Programs

Themed concerts that are thoughtfully planned to appeal to young audiences and to demonstrate the range of instruments and styles of music available in our world. A program began in the fall of 2004 at Castilleja School in Palo Alto and Hacienda Elementary School in San Jose. Conversations are in progress to expand the program to Nixon and Escondido Elementary Schools in Palo Alto.

III. Stanford Hospital and other institutions
      of healing

Mimi Dye, Director of  TOPAZ, is a committed and frequent performer in the Stanford Hospital Music Program and has performed in the program for many years. Members of  TOPAZ played concerts at Stanford Hospital in October 2003 and continued to perform there.  TOPAZ is exploring the opportunity to perform in other centers for healing both locally and throughout the state of California. We project a series of approximately eight concerts annually in this setting.

IV. Self-Produced Concerts

Exciting and dynamic series of local concerts. These concerts will take place in the San Francisco Bay Area and will be well publicized and include classical, jazz, and world music selections. At least one newly-composed work combining classical and jazz genres will be introduced at these concerts in line with the commitment of  TOPAZ to presenting new compositions.

Artistic Direction, Management, and Fund Raising

As director of  TOPAZ, she brings unique talents and skills to the organization. Mimi Dye is well-known as a performer, producer of benefit concerts, and as a recording artist. In addition, Mimi Dye founded her own music school in Palo Alto, which has grown to include a staff of six additional teachers and a full-time administrator.  TOPAZ is an outgrowth of her series of benefit concerts held in Palo Alto and her desire to perform with great players and serve the community with music. (See biography at About TOPAZ for more details.)

Financial Summary

TOPAZ operates as an affiliate of CAPA (Council for the Arts Palo Alto and the Mid-Peninsula Area) a California 501(c)3 not-for-profit benefit corporation. CAPA provides TOPAZ with financial oversight, fund-raising guidance and advice, risk management and other ancillary services.  TOPAZ operates as a subsidiary of CAPA and is entirely consistent with CAPA’s mission. The creation of a business plan, marketing plan, and fund-raising plan, including budgets and strategies for both earned and contributed income will guide our planning and activities.

Sources of Income

TOPAZ generates income through ticket sales at concerts, sales of  TOPAZ CDs, educational contracts, and earned income from other series and presenters who contract TOPAZ for concerts. The remainder of operating costs rely on contributions from individual donors, charitable organizations, foundations, and corporations. Please see below for details on annual fund and underwriting opportunities.

Annual Fund :: TOPAZ Needs Your Support

Your help will:

1. Make it possible to offer music to charities, school children, and those in need of healing.
   
   
2. Underwrite educational programs and support the continued vision to include workshops and master classes.
   
   
3. Offset operating costs, filling the gap between our revenue and the costs of concerts and educational and healing programs.

Friends Circle membership benefits include advance notification of  TOPAZ events, reserved seating, and gift acknowledgement.

Sustainers Circle membership benefits include an invitation to a special, intimate concert by  TOPAZ.

Patrons Circle membership benefits include a private concert in your home and further opportunities for recognition by mutual agreement.

Friends Circle: gifts of $10 - $499

Sustainers Circle: gifts of $500 - $10,000

Patrons Circle: gifts of $10,000 - $50,000+

Contributions can be made by check, payable to "CAPA/TOPAZ" — please put "TOPAZ" in the memo line:

TOPAZ
4251 Los Palos Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94306

Please call (650) 856-2423 if you have questions about  TOPAZ or about making a gift.

Gifts to  TOPAZ are deductible for income tax purposes within the limits prescribed by law.