With a launch party that included Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey, the VH1 Save the Music Foundation never had trouble getting attention in the late 1990s.
But much has changed since the early years of the non -profit organization of the non -profit organization of Music Education, with dazzling cable television special in establishing and maintaining musical programs in primary and secondary schools throughout the country. To expand its work, the Foundation needs to expand its donor base, especially because MTV and VH1, and its Matrix Viacom, and now, Paramount, continue their pivot away from music.
On Wednesday, the Foundation, now known only as Save the Music Foundation, announced its intention of “Go Indie”: Rocker-Speak to become an independent organization. The non -profit organization will cut the ties with a primordial and seek donations from various sources, including individual donors.
“It was quite clear, from a musical perspective of salvation, which would be useful for us to be seen as an initiative of the music industry instead of a corporate social responsibility initiative for a single player in the industry,” said Henry Donahue, the director Foundation Executive. Then, any artist, seal, transmission service, talent agency, festival, concert promoter who thought of involving the community around music education, we wanted to be the goal of that. “
“Going Indie” has been a long process for the Foundation, one that has already been supported by the multimillionaire philanthropist Mackenzie Scott with a subsidy of $ 2 million in 2021. It has launched a $ 10 million endowment fund, with $ 4 million already insured.
But the change will allow Save the Music to concentrate more on students such as J’Marion Hulin, 17, by Daniel McLaughlin Therrelll High School in Atlanta, where he is president of the school’s record company, Panther Records, and is learning to Use the equipment provided by the Foundation to make music.
“Having our own team, I think, allows us to be more passionate about our skills, there is actually nothing to stop us,” said Hulin. “All children could not have the same musical tastes. Some may be more interested in pop or rap or alternative rock. So having that team allows us to fluctuate to make sounds.”
Samuel Davis, who teaches music in Therrell High, said that without the support of the Ja Dilla de Save the Music music technology, students would have had to share equipment and software in class. The subsidy, which the school has received during the last four years, also supports teachers in the creation of a strong musical technology program to help producers to producers.
“The program is extremely valuable for students,” Davis said. “Increase their assistance. They are more will committed to your education. “
As much as Hulin enjoy DJ in the high school cafeteria, mixing rANDB Tracks such as the “former factor” of Lauryn Hill and “Golden” by Jill Scott together to create an environment for other students, his dream is to create music for video game bands, maybe bring Neo-Soul to the person series.
Lonnie Hampton, teacher of the PS 20 in Brooklyn, New York, carries the torch for the most traditional Save the Music programs. He has received funds from the ON Foundation since 2006, which allows him to buy saxophones, clarinets, trumpets and two bass for students in his elementary school.
Additional instruments meant that each of the students could have their own instrument, instead of sharing with other students every week. “It gives children the opportunity to have an instrument at home,” said Hampton. “It gives them the opportunity to play and see that hard work is important. When they see the joy of practicing, practicing and practicing, that I preach, that I preach, that I preach, that I preach, that I preach, that I preach, that I preach all The days, and then understand it, simply nourish your life. “
John Sykes, who founded the VH1 Save the Music Foundation in 1997 as MTV executive, said he was delighted with how the current leadership of the non -profit organization had led the organization to a new level.
“The way music has brain wires allows a young child not only to become the next Bruce Springsteen or Jay-Z, but also a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a public service worker,” he said. “Any position benefits from the music of music education.”
Sykes, now president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, said he hopes to support Save the Music and his new structure. Although he hopes that the financing of music education will be safe from any possible government cuts, Sykes says that Rock Hall members can offer their own support where necessary.
“Musical education is not just an art; It’s a science, “Sykes said.” While it is a wonderful way of expressing your creativity, it actually teaches you mathematics. In the first days with VH1, we actually went to conservative right -wing governors who, when they saw power. and impact of musical education in the test scores, they climbed on board because they understood that this was really a cornerstone of the learning process. “
_____
The Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and non -profit organizations receives support through the collaboration of AP with the US conversation, with funds from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all AP philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
By
