August 2012

Dear Brannen-Cooper® Fund Applicants and/or Award Recipients:

Since 1994, The Brannen-Cooper Fund at Brannen Brothers Flutemakers, Inc. has been privileged to provide funding to the international flute community for guest artist masterclasses/concerts, flute choir coaching, and new music commissions. Over the last 18 years, we sponsored 461 guest artist masterclasses/concerts and 89 new music commissions, collaborating with schools, universities, and flute clubs in 34 countries. At present, numerous conditions have made us review how we use our resources, and we have decided to end The Brannen-Cooper Fund with the June 1, 2012 round of applications. We apologize to all who were planning to apply during our October 15, 2012 round. We need to be clear, though, that while we would like to honor one last request from your organization, we are unable to do so.

Over the last few years, The Brannen-Cooper Fund has experienced increasing problems with organizations that failed to follow the guidelines once an award was made and/or an event took place. In addition, some organizations and guest artists assumed that they were entitled to funding, which created another set of problems.

While we fully acknowledge that this news may come as a disappointment to many organizations, we hope to see the work of The Brannen-Cooper Fund embraced in a spirit of appreciation for the past, rather than a spirit of disappointment for the present. The eighty-nine commissions funded will live on for performance by generations of flutists.

To organizations with events or new commissions in-process, please be assured that outstanding award checks will be sent according to the timeframe specified in your application. We also request that any required follow-up and/or scores be submitted to us according to the terms outlined in the award letter.

From The Fund Directors past and present, it has been a true pleasure to collaborate with countless organizations over the last 18 years! In closing, we send our best wishes to you and your organization for great success both now and in the future!