The Gift of Music, Freely Given

Photo Submitted by High Street Music Company

Student Joseph Clevinger gets some trumpet instruction
with teacher Brian Langdon.

Blogger's Note: Did you know there is a way to ensure that low-income students in Pottstown can start to pursue their musical dreams at an early age?

Below is a (slightly edited) letter sent out to area teachers and submitted to the Digital Notebook by Louis Rieger, CEO of The High Street Music Company, which highlights the program, "Called Give the Gift of Music," and how it works.
 
I am proud to announce that The High Street Music Company (HSMC) has partnered with Give the Gift of Music Foundation.


Give the Gift of Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Pennsylvania corporation organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. They support musical education for eligible children by providing donations of musical instruments and/or scholarships for lessons at approved providers, of which High Street Music Company is one, who share our belief in the importance of quality musical education for all children.

Photo Submitted by the High Street Music Co.

Student Patricia Ross practices her flute.

Give the Gift of Music Foundation approved providers are professional musicians, composers, performers or musical educators whose primary occupation is musical performance, composition or instruction as evidenced by membership in or accreditation by one or more of the following: National Guild for Community Arts Education National Association of Schools of Music, or the provider is included in a listing of Private Music Instructors published by one of the following Pennsylvania Public School Districts: Great Valley, Methacton, Norristown, North Penn, Owen J Roberts, Perkiomen Valley, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Spring-Ford, Tredyffrin-Easttown, Upper Merion


Recipients of Give the Gift of Music Foundation awards or scholarships must be between the ages of 7 and 18 years of age and have both an interest in musical performance or composition and is in need of financial assistance to pursue further musical education or performance opportunities.

Determination of financial need is based on an evaluation of all employment and financial information supplied in the application form. To qualify, a recipient must have at least one custodial parent or legal guardian receiving any of the following:


• Federal or State Unemployment compensation

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)


We believe this is a great resource for our budding musicians.

Pottstown is fortunate to have a trust fund for the high school music students to utilize, but, unfortunately, it is limited to the high school.

This program enables assistance to be extended to the rest of our district. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions. Lets make it happen ........... http://givethegiftofmusic.org/