This endowment was established to honor the unique contributions of Ernest T. “Bud” Kretschmer in creating a rich and varied classical musical community in Santa Cruz County. Bud has encouraged young musicians, nurtured a large and vital musical audience, sponsored performances and concert series, commissioned new musical works, supported musical scholarships. 

In keeping with Bud’s personal commitment to musical community-building, the Kretschmer Music Archives Endowment is designed to provide enriched support for UCSC Special Collections in music, which document the development and growth of music and individual musicians and composers. Endowment income may be used to support any expenses or activities related to music archives and special collections, including but not limited to the purchase of new materials, augmentation, or enhancement of existing materials, digitization, cataloging, preservation, access, promotion, exhibition, and use.