Musical Outreach Program Launches – Music Doing Good – Instruments
Community partners provide instrument intake events during the month of October
Music Doing Good launches a new musical outreach program entitled, Music Doing Good – Instruments, which places gently used instruments in the hands of under-served students and economically challenged school districts. The program collects instruments at intake events and donations on the website; refurbishes and redistributes them to at risk students via an application and essay process. Teachers, instructors and mentors can nominate a deserving student, as well. Applications and instructions are on the website (www.musicdoinggood.org/instruments.html).
Community partner, Houston Symphony, is providing instrument collection opportunities at eight concerts during the month of October, encouraging patrons to bring gently used instruments to the concerts. Donations of stringed, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments are greatly appreciated. Dates are October 5, 6, 7, 18, 20 and 21, 2012. Details can be found athttp://www.houstonsymphony.org/musicdoinggood/.
Fresh Arts is also partnering with Music Doing Good – Instruments for Cultured Cocktails on October 11, 2012, 6:30 pm at Boheme Café and Wine Bar, 307 Fairview, 77006. Attendees are encouraged to bring instruments to this event, as well. Additional events will be scheduled from now until the end of May 2013.
Research shows that learning a musical instrument, music appreciation and musical performance in schools are important in developing the whole child. Despite these benefits, many schools are cutting or downsizing their existing music classes and programs. Numerous studies have demonstrated that students’ academic scores in math, English, foreign language and science were greatly improved by adding music to traditional curriculum. Where programs are scaled back or eliminated, instruments are often scarce. For many families the expense is unfeasible.
Enhanced critical thinking skills, self-expression and stronger sense of self-esteem are additional benefits for children who study music. They are stimulated creatively and academically and therefore less likely to drop out of school or use tobacco, alcohol or drugs.
Music Doing Good, Inc. is a 501c3 performing arts organization whose mission is philanthropy through music. Through world-class concert events, the organization generates friends and funds for outstanding non-profits working in health, education, music and children’s charities, enabling patrons to give back to the community. Through carefully developed outreach programs, Music Doing Good engages, educates and enriches the community through innovative music-based programming to promote positive social change, which brings music to at-risk and underserved populations.
For more information about Music Doing Good – Instruments, please visitwww.musicdoinggood.orgor call 713.294.9034.