Aqua String Band New Years Association Inc

Generate awareness and fosters preservation of the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Tradition

Community Outreach & Participation

Music, Instrument, and Performance Theory – Practice & Education

Historical Costume Design, Fabrication & Preservation

Music & Performance Archiving

Community Outreach & Participation
In addition to general awareness and preservation, the art of Mummery requires active application of the community spirit and fulfillment of civic duty. For this reason, the Band's Awareness & Preservation methods are closely intertwined with its Community Outreach & Participation activities. Interaction with multiple communities and participation in related events supports front of mind awareness of Mummery as well as demonstrates the Band's commitment to those communities and the City at large.

Music, Instrument, and Performance Theory – Practice & Education
As a musical heritage organization, substantial effort is spent on providing for, educating, and improving the musical proficiency of the members and the public. Specialists within the band provide lessons on a variety of instruments at no cost and for no compensation. When required and if available, the Band provides/lends instruments and materials to those in need.

Historical Costume Design, Fabrication & Preservation
The elaborate costumes worn by the Aqua String Band is the hallmark of a Mummers organization even before the first note of music is played, the community is instantly drawn to the unmistakable style that is the calling card of the Band's appearances.

Music & Performance Archiving
Like issues surrounding costume management and archiving, the Aqua String Band has identified a great need to identify, recover, and restore historical recordings - some going back to the late 19th century. Early videos are nearly impossible to find, and extensive work needs to be done to locate material on microfiche, non-standard storage mediums, historical broadcast reels, and vinyl records that have long since been unavailable.

The members of the Aqua String Band represent over 500 years of combined experience and expertise in music performance theory, costume creation, and music education. The organization is extraordinarily active and meets on a near constant basis for meetings and rehearsals – this includes a rigorous and ambitious performance schedule.

Establishing and maintaining an identity throughout each calendar year is vital to viability and success. The Aqua String Band maintains multiple social media platforms which are used for communications, community outreach, notifications regarding performances and appearances, recruitment, and the preservation of cultural and historic photos and videos.

The organization has been granted 501(c)(3) status which serves as an indicator or organizational professionalism, and financial improvement. The Organization achieved a historic record for number of public performances. Aqua has achieved a 10% increase in membership each year – which directly influences ability to perform and conduct outreach. A technical foundation has also been designed which will support archiving and media preservation.