MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SUBSIDY PROGRAM
the problem:
STUDENTS OF ALL AGES COMING FROM LOW TO MODERATELY INCOME FAMILIES ARE NOT ABLE TO AFFORD EITHER PURCHASING OR RENTING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR EITHER TAKING LESSONS OR PARTICIPATING IN A SCHOOL PROGRAM. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SUBSIDY PROGRAM IN PLACE TO ASSIST IN RENTALS OR PURCHASES. ON THE COLLEGE LEVEL, IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT NEITHER SCHOLASTIC SCHOLARSHIPS NOR GRANTS COVER THESE COSTS AND THAT THE "SAVE OUR MUSIC" PROGRAM IS LIMITED TO UNDERPRIVILEDGED SCHOOLS THAT OFFER CURRENT MUSIC CLASSES. IT IS MY GOAL TO TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER AND NOT LIMIT IT TO JUST SCHOOL TIME, BUT TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO QUALIFIES.
vital stats:
people impacted:
300people involved:
30why it's important:
PLAYING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT HEIGHTENS PHYSICAL AND MENTAL COORDINATION; AS WELL AS, LEARNING DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS THAT KEEP MINDS FOCUSED. SINCE LIBERAL ARTS PROGRAMS ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE SCARCE WITHIN THE U.S. EDUCATION SYSTEM DUE TO ECONOMIC CUT-BACKS, A STUDENT'S CHOICE OF PRACTICAL EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITES IS EXTEMELY DIMINISHED OR UNAFFORDABLE, ALLOWING MORE TIME FOR STUDENTS TO GET INTO NONPRODUCTIVE RUTS; SUCH AS, THE COUCH POTATO SYNDROME, GANGS, DRUGS, ETC. JUST SAYING "NO TO DRUGS" OR "TAKING A BITE OUT OF CRIME" ARE GREAT PROGRAMS, BUT STANDING ON THEIR OWN MERIT ISN'T MUCH INCENTIVE. A PROGRAM LIKE THIS CAN HELP SHAPE MINDS TO BETTER THEMSELVES FOR THOSE WHO COULDN'T AFFORD IT IN THE PAST.
the plan of action:
SINCE I CREATED AND AM THE NEW JAZZ CLUB PRESIDENT AT DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE, I PLAN TO START WITH THE CLUB SPONSORING LOCAL PERFORMANCE EVENTS TO RAISE MONEY FOR THIS PROJECT. IN ADDITION, I PLAN TO GO TO THE LOCAL SCHOOLS, ORGANIZATIONS, NEWPAPERS, ETC.TO POST FLYERS AND INFORMATION ON HOW TO DONATE AND/OR TO APPLY FOR A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SUBSIDY. REACHING OUT TO FAMOUS MUSICIANS TO HELP RAISE MONEY AND/OR PLUG FOR THIS PROGRAM IS ALSO IMPORTANT. THE SUBSIDY WOULD REQUIRE SOME MONETARY INPUT TOWARDS THE COSTS FROM THE RECIPIENT TO ALLOW FOR ONLY SERIOUS STUDENTS TO APPLY. THIS WILL HELP WEED OUT THOSE WHO JUST WANT A FREE HAND-OUT. IN THE FUTURE,I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A FULL SCHOLARSHIP OR GRANT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTED THAT WOULD ALLOW FOR PURCHASES OF HIGH-END PROFESSIONAL INSTRUMENTS FOR QUALIFIED HIGH GPA COLLEGE MUSIC MAJORS. IN THE MEANTIME, ONE STEP AT A TIME.......
how you can get involved:
SCHOOL ADMINSTRATORS CAN REACH OUT TO THE PARENTS WITH INFORMATION ON THE APPLYING FOR THE SUBSIDY FROM THOSE FAMILIES CURRENTLY ON THE FREE LUNCH PROGRAM. MUSIC STORES AND INSTRUMENT RENTAL COMPANIES MAY ALSO BE WILLLING TO EITHER BECOME A PART OF THE PROGRAM OR AT LEAST ADVERTISE THE PROGRAM. LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROPRIETORS CAN ALSO PARTICIPATE.
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