NAMM Announces 2010-2011 Grant Recipients
The NAMM Foundation has announced the recipients of its annual grants to support community-based music education programs. The $585,000 in total grants goes to fund "innovative programs that allow more people the opportunity to experience the proven benefits of active music making."
The NAMM Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, which is in fact the international trade association for the music products industry. The foundation has supported music education programs worldwide with more than $12 million in total grants since its inception in 1994.
Of this year's 25 programs in the United States and around the world that received foundation grants, 12 are geared toward providing diverse music education to students in grades K through 12. They include:
Australian Music Association: Musical Futures
An innovative music education program helping to renew music education in Australia's public schools.
Boys and Girls Harbor, Inc.: New York City Latin Music Program
Fostering the development of well rounded, technically proficient, literate and creative musicians by developing in them an understanding of Afro-Caribbean musical styles, history and seminal artists.
Coalition for Music Education in Canada: Music Monday Program
A public awareness initiative that engages thousands of music makers in the opportunity to celebrate music making's vital role in school and in life.
Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association: Teacher Guitar Workshop
Professional development program to provide music educators with the basic skills and tools necessary to introduce and teach group guitar instruction in schools.
Guitars in the Classroom: The AMIGO Project: Achievement through Music Integration
Introduces music making to educators whose K-6 general classrooms include more than 27 percent Hispanic students who are English Language Learners.
Little Kids Rock Inc.: Contemporary Band Program
Brings student-centered, pop-oriented instrument classes into public schools, complementing orchestra, marching band, chorus and jazz band programs.
Midori & Friends: Adventures in Making Music Residencies
Skills-based programs that give students and teachers opportunities to learn how to play the guitar and other instruments in general classroom settings in New York City.
Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation: Special Projects Program
Helps provide musical instruments to after-school programs, community schools of the arts, youth orchestras and qualified music therapy programs assisting underserved youth primarily attending Title 1 schools.
Music For All/UK: Learn To Play Stand School Tour
Allows thousands of children to try a variety of musical instruments in K-12 schools in the United Kingdom.
North Shore Boys & Girls Club: Rock Lobster Monthly Band Night
Offers young musicians an accessible, alcohol-free venue where they can practice, gain stage experience, be mentored and develop a following for their music.
Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls: Expansion of The Girls Rock Institute
Providing girls in Portland, OR, a place to learn an instrument, form a band, write an original song and perform in front of an audience.
Women's Audio Mission: Girls on the Mic Program
Uses music making to encourage middle and high school-aged girls to pursue studies in music, math, science and computers and to expose them to music technology careers.
For a complete and detailed list of the 2010-2011 NAMM Foundation Program grant recipients, as well as application information for next year's grant program, visit the grant information page here.
About the Author
Scott Aronowitz is a freelance writer based in Las Vegas. He has covered the technology, advertising, and entertainment sectors for seven years. He can be reached here.