Joseph
Lotito
Submitted:
October 24, 2009
Rejected
: $
0
Contact Information:
Joseph
Lotito
4804 Baltimore avenue
Philadelphia
PA
19143
USA
215 370 8530
Reference 1:
Roman Barnas
Reference 2:
Burritt Miller
Summary of Submitted Materials:
Submitted Documents:
Submitted Recordings:
Committee Notes:
Hey, Gang-
I thought I'd make the first little stab at this one, which reminds me of the Josh Keller application (12/1/08) for help with his study abroad costs- which, you may recall, we rejected on the grounds that we didn't want to start a precedent of supporting proposals for living expenses.
At the moment, the GIA part of the VDGSA page says that we have given money for bows, instruments, cases and workshops. Do we need to start thinking about another sentence which makes it clear that we don't give money for basic living expenses- or tuition, for that matter? Now that it's 1932 again, I can foresee more such requests.
Thoughts?
-DM
BTW- I see (in his ref.pdf, below) that he has replaced Burritt Miller with Donna Fournier- but he refers to them as his "referees"..,does that mean "references", do you think? Or is there something else involved?
Hi - Jack finally checking in. This seems like a clear case to me in that there is a precedent to follow and this request does not seem to differ from that one (Josh's) in any substantive way. I would vote against unless there is something going on of which I am not aware. Does anyone know of any other funding sources to which we could refer him?
As to the previous request from the Yale student, I vote yes along with everyone else.
At a lunch meeting at the Conclave we came up with a good set of guidelines for the grant. I was given them to type up, and shall go home and find and then send them around. I think they need to be cleared by the Board, but let's all have one more look at them before it goes there.
- Jack
Ach du lieber Gott...food stamps...damn. I was just starting to think that the idea of giving him money towards the purchase of tools would be a good idea, but now I'm thinking about the economic realities of becoming a new builder in a world full of cheap, really passable Chinese viols...it all just gives me pause. Two years of school means $50K (17K_17K+8K+8K)...I am out of my depth on this one, but it seems he needs wise counsel as much as anything!
-David
I'm glad to know that there are up-and-coming people who want to build viols, but I think that David is right about the Josh precedent (as well as the Ach du lieber part...) West Dean is a wonderful program, and the students have to learn to PLAY viols as well as make them. However, I'm not sure that he fulfills our aims for this grant in any case. He is not - as far as I can tell - a player of viols. I would be curious to know if he is even a member... or if he is, how long he has been one. I think we need to focus on people who are involved in the society and likely to continue to be so - not just as entrepreneurs looking for clients, but as real participating members. He may well become one, but at the moment he is unproven.
I do recommend that he speak with other Americans who have received their training at West Dean to find out about the realities of the working world. Toby Rzepka has recently set up shop in Portland, ME, and might be a good person for him to talk with.
- Sarah
Project Description:
I have recently been accepted into the making musical instruments diploma program at West Dean College in Chicester,England. This is a two year program focusing on the research and construction of viols. Participating in this program will enable me to specialize as a viol maker and therefore increase the number of instruments available for players and organizations. The costs of tuition and housing are higher than I can meet at this early stage in my career.(Tuition -$17,000 per year;Housing,approx.-$8,000 per year.)I am currently seeking as many sources of funding as are available. I am asking for financial support as well as referrals to other charities or individuals who may be willing to help. Thank you.
Request Amount:
$
Total Project Cost:
$
8
Budget and Additional Funding:
Qualifications:
I am a graduate of the North Bennet Street School violin-making program. This is a three year course involving the construction of six violins a viola and a 'cello. I was the first student to make a Viola da Gamba in this program .Prior to attending school, I was employed for six years as a guitar maker and repairman in Philadelphia. I have also studied with violin maker and VdGSA member Burritt Miller.
Letter of Reference 1:
I received this note from Donna Fournier - sorry would have attached it sooner, but did not realize he had applied -
What if he were to apply for $$ for tools??? Just a thought (poor thing has no money) WG
Dear Wendy,
I'm writing to support Joe Lotito's request for funding from the VdGSA
to support his expenses at West Dean College. I met Joe this summer
when he contacted me and stopped by the house to meet Kathy Spencer and
myself and show us the bass viol he had made. It is an admirable first
piece completed while studying at the North Bennett Street School that
played easily and sounded good. His work shows promise.
According to the West Dean website, the College offers a two year
college diploma or a one year professional development diploma under the
tutorship of Roger Rose and Shem Mackey. I don't know which diploma Joe
plans to pursue but he tells me the cost is about $17000 a year. I've
asked him about his plans after graduation and he says, "I plan on
becoming an independent viol maker and possibly working in a shop." He
also tells me that, "although I have recently found work as a
laborer/contractor, I am struggling financially" and that he is on food
stamps.
The idea of supporting a young violin maker drawn towards specializing
in viols is very appealing. If the Society can help Joe out, that would
be great.
All the best,
Donna
Letter of Reference 2: