Toyota Grant Money Brings Hope to School Music Programs.

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Author: Fehr, Rosalind C.1

In 2003, in an effort to raise money for at-risk music education programs across America, Toyota established the Camry Music Education Fund- The Fund generated over $170,000 to help four schools. Money from the fund was given to MENC to distribute through one-time grants from the Fund for the Advancement of Music Education (FAME). Teachers at the four schools said the money put their music programs on a firm footing.

The grants were distributed in installments, and the last payments have been made to the schools participating in the program. Music educators and school administrators from the schools used the funds to add instruments, equipment, music, and part-time instructors.

The Baltimore [Maryland) City Public School System used the money to purchase eighteen Orff xylophone sets that have helped integrate music into other curriculum. The George Washington Middle School in Eleanor, West Virginia, purchased instruments, including a euphonium, and a tenor saxophone. The school also hired clinicians.

At Wilbur Cross School in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the grant money went to Orff and band instruments, a computer lab, guitars, and part-time instructors.

reported that 88 percent of its band students, grades 7-12 made the honor roll. Grant money there went to electronic keyboards, other equipment, and piano lessons for fifth- and sixth-grade music students.

Jill Warzer, Baltimore Tine arts curriculum specialist, said the grant money allowed the school district to "implement music instruction based on Orff methodology as a systematic initiative" and to "include professional development opportunities for music teachers."

She said students and teachers were enthusiastic about the equipment and curriculum additions. "Because of the school systems commitment to continuing music programs and the quality of the equipment the grant allowed us to purchase, we can look forward to many more years of productive music instruction for Baltimore City schools."

PHOTO (COLOR): Band students from Central High School in West Haven. Connecticut, mentor students at Wilbur Cross Elementary.

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By Rosalind C. Fehr, News Editor