| Just under 100 elementary students in the Wilkinsburg School District are the benefactors to a $90,000 grant from the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.
The award ignited the district's music program and restored student interest.
"We are extremely pleased to be the recipients of this grant,"said Archie D. Perrin, Jr., Superintendent. "Our staff worked diligently with VH1 and other partners to ensure the grant would come to fulfillment; our District encourages the development of well-rounded students, both academically and through the arts."
Along with VH1, the grant was generated with the help of Houlihan's Restaurants Inc. and Comcast. Representatives from all three organizations delivered new instruments and coordinated a check presentation ceremony on October 10, 2008. The donation is part of the foundation's efforts to restore 3 million dollars worth of instrumental music programs nationwide this year.
"Having just celebrated the foundation's 10th anniversary we are happy to continue our mission by partnering with Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc.," said Paul Cothran, Executive Director, VH1 Save The Music Foundation.
The bands in Kelly Elementary, Johnston Elementary and Turner Elementary received instruments through the donation; including saxophones, flutes, trumpets, trombones, clarinets, and drums.
Gloria Horton, a 5th grade student at Turner said she always wanted to play the saxophone.
"We got to try all the instruments before we had to pick one," said Horton. "I talked to my mom about playing the saxophone and she said it was a great idea but that I had to work hard to keep my grades up and still practice my music," she added.
Ten year old Deonte Gaston is a 4th grade student at Johnston Elementary, he also wants to learn how to play the saxophone and balance his time with school, music and football.
Deonte was still dressed in his football pads and jersey as he practiced the saxophone on the day students got to try different instruments. "I've always been interested in music and I like to try new things," he added.
Ray Strobel, the Wilkinsburg School District Music Instructor under the grant, said there is a direct correlation between music and academic excellence. He explains how students tend to improve their skill levels in English, Reading, and Math in conjunction with musical training.
"The two elements go hand in hand and the end result is improved academic scores and a continual process of learning," said Strobel. "We must always find methods of reaching our students and creating new ways to educate; music is another avenue that proves to be effective."
In tune with its tradition of originality and appreciation for independent music, Houlihan's, a popular, stylish casual dining restaurant with locations nationwide, formed an ongoing fundraising partnership with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation in Spring 2008 to support instrumental music education programs in public schools throughout the country.
"Houlihan's is committed to ensuring that students in Wilkinsburg receive the benefits of music education," said Jen Gulvik, Vice President of Marketing for Houlihan's. |
