Does OPUS belong to the NCUSD203 Schools?

Answer: OPUS is an independent, not-for-profit, volunteering association, which is registered in the state of Illinois and has been approved as an IRS 501 (c) 3 charitable organization. Therefore, all donations to OPUS are tax deductible. OPUS is financially and managerially independent of the NCUSD203 schools.

Does OPUS just support D203 school activities?

Answer: OPUS supports school orchestras both inside and outside schools. The support is generally in the categories of, but not limited to hospitality, display, publicity, spirit, scholarships, performances, curricular needs, communications, and promotion of music value.

What has OPUS done in helping address orchestra curricular needs?

Answer: The orchestra program in NCUSD203 has shown tremendous growth over the last 10 years (105% more). We owe our thanks to students, their parents, and very importantly, our orchestra directors. The District has not addressed staffing needs in terms of number increase. There are disparities shown across the music disciplines in NCUSD203. These questions have been raised by OPUS to the school administrators, and documented in a White Paper dated October of 2000, followed by several public speeches.

What makes OPUS fun to join?

Answer: Volunteer work with strong student focus and contribution to measurable results.