WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) – Money problems could force a chamber orchestra in Winston-Salem that introduces classical music to children to stop operating next month.

Music director James Basta with the Little Symphony of Forsyth County told the Winston-Salem Journal the group needs $8,000 to present concerts in local schools from January through May.

Basta said the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County has cut the orchestra’s funding. The number of individual donors also has dropped.

He said many businesses won’t donate because they’ve already given to the arts council.

The council’s Christine Gorelick says contributions to the orchestra in the past five years have ranged from $10,000 to $12,000. But Basta said about 10 years ago, the orchestra was getting about $20,000 from the council.