Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings

DCWS, ARTS ORGANIZATION Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings (“DCWS”) is an ensemble committed to bringing to life the large and wonderful body of repertoire that utilizes between 6 and 20 musicians. DCWS includes a core group of musicians, most of whom are also members of the Detroit Symphony and Michigan Opera Theatre orchestras. DCWS, SERVICE ORGANIZATION Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings has become a champion of administrative collaboration in pursuit of artistic excellence. To that end, DCWS is describing an alternative business model for small to mid-size non-profit organizations. DCWS has created a successful management structure in collaboration with the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival (since 1992) and the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (since 1996). The three organizations maintain separate missions, boards of directors, financial reporting, and 501(c)(3) status. Yet they share staff, equipment, and office space. DCWS acts as the fiduciary for the collaboration, with the other two organizations paying a monthly fee for services provided. DCWS also extends its management services to other institutions that wish to benefit from shared resources on a more limited basis. Starting in 2003, DCWS began providing public relations and marketing support to clients.