New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Participation in music programs also provides students with a much-needed outlet for self-expression; an outlet that's imperative for children's mental and social development.
As financially-strapped school districts look for creative ways to maximize reduced budgets, music programs are often the first to go. In fact, the
National Association of
Music Merchants (NAMM) recently noted more than 1.3 million elementary school students across the country are without access to music education.
This is why the largest school music instrument retailer and lesson provider in the country,
Music & Arts, has partnered with Yamaha Corporation of
America and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) to donate 60 instruments comprising of 40 guitars and 20 full-size, digital pianos. The donation, valued at about $10,000, will help support several BGCGW interdisciplinary music education programs.
"Students who participate in the arts and music receive better grades, earn higher test scores, are more likely to enroll in and graduate from college, and exhibit higher levels of literacy and community engagement as compared to their peers. Participation in music programs also provides students with a much-needed outlet for self-expression; an outlet that's imperative for children's mental and social development," said Steve Zapf, president,
Music & Arts. "We're honored to help the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington continue inspiring and educating more children with the power of music."
As one of the country's largest affiliates of the Boys & Girls Clubs, BGCGW reaches more than 12,000 youth annually throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
"Integrating music and the arts is a powerful way to make learning engaging and more meaningful. It's remarkable to have great partners like
Music & Arts and Yamaha who believe in our mission and in nurturing our communities," said Tony Small, regional artistic director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. "We're thrilled to grow our programs even more with this donation."
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington is to help youth of all backgrounds build confidence, develop character and acquire the skills needed to become productive and responsible adults.
"Music education programs do so much for students. We're thrilled to be able to support this effort," said Jim Di Paolo, national accounts manager, Yamaha Corporation of America. "We hope this donation not only encourages students to grow their passion for music, but also helps them create long-lasting memories."
Music & Arts will make the official partnership announcement on August 3 at BGCGW's annual Kennedy Center concert alongside Jussie Smollet, cast member of popular TV-series Empire, and Raymond Bokhour, cast member from the hit Broadway Chicago. The instrument delivery is scheduled for this fall with a celebratory event to follow. More details on the event will be announced soon.
