In 2014, we started a music program at Park Place Middle School in Brooklyn, NY. We received an email from the principal updating us on the class of 2017, the first group of students to experience the full benefits of our instrument grant: “Our Valedictorian and Co-Salutatorians were all introverted students when they arrived at Park Place. Music helped them find their voice. The Valedictorian will be attending Brooklyn School of Arts for Vocal. One Salutatorian will be attending LaGuardia High School for musical instrument. The other Salutatorian is on the Autism spectrum and has a major speech impediment. Instead of giving a speech, he opted to play a musical selection on the piano and received a huge round of applause from his peers.”
Summary of our partnership from Park Place:
“Our school-wide arts program is the agent of change in the lives of Park Place Community students. Every single child in the building learns to play an instrument. Students learn to play one of the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, violin, viola or cello. In 2014, we applied and received a grant from Save The Music Foundation. The Foundation provided us with funding for band instruments and other resources necessary to establish a music program. To ensure the sustainability of the program, Save The Music also provides us with partnerships and mentorship opportunities. In June 2016, we completed year two of our new and improved Arts Education Program. Save The Music Foundation has helped us create a music program that will be a staple in our school for years to come.”