12/11/06

Music is dying, and you are the key to stopping it.  Over the past 30 years music programs have eroded in many cities and communities.  Without at least the option for a music education, there will be a drought of new musicians.  However, that is the very least of the worries.  Music has been proven throughout numerous studies to improve a child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, self-esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance.  Music is something that a child can be proud of and that they can cherish, as music is a very personal and emotional study.  With more programs receiving budget cuts and even getting dropped every year, the time to take action is now.  It is your duty, your responsibility to Save the Music. 

Of the many worthwhile charities/organizations that surround this subject, I have chosen to support VH1’s Save the Music campaign.  This is because VH1 works closely with school boards to restore music programs, especially beginning programs such as band, string, guitar, or keyboard lab.  “VH1’s Save the Music has donated nearly $30 million worth of musical instruments to 1,200 public schools in 80 cities, improving the lives of more than 500,000 children” (Save the Music).  VH1’s Save the Music campaign has earned many awards and recognitions for raising awareness and for their contributions. 

Most recently, the organization put on a very large fundraiser on December 1 2006, “VH1 Big Night for a Big Cause” at Esquire House 360.  This event was in a 17,000 square foot villa in Beverly Hills, CA.  There were exclusive musical performances by Columbia Recording Artist Mat Kearney and Ironworks Recording Artists Rocco DeLuca and the Burden.  A list of upcoming events, information, and more can be found at http://www.vh1.com/partners/save_the_music/index.html