(L. To R. Dr. Tony Signoret, Superintendent, PSUSD, Dana Zahler, Adopt the Arts Founder and Co-Executive Director, Matt Sorum, Michael Fergon, Alan Perrego, Aidan Albano-Bachtell)
PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Aug. 12, 2024 – Elementary school students in Coachella Valley will kick off the 2024-2025 school year with more opportunities to learn and enhance their music education with the launch of a pilot program sponsored by Adopt the Arts Foundation in partnership with the Palm Springs Unified School District.
Adopt the Arts, a non-profit organization founded by GRAMMY® award-winning musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame® inductee, Matt Sorum, and Golden Globe® award and Emmy® award- winning Actor Jane Lynch, provides underserved elementary schools with high-quality music education curriculum and resources.
The program will provide children attending Agua Caliente, Bubbling Wells, Della S. Lindley, and Vista Del Monte elementary schools with access to music curriculum focused on Voice, Percussion, Keyboard and Ukulele that explores cultural traditions while integrating mindfulness, basic math, and early reading skills. The pilot program will run throughout the school year, with plans to add two more schools by the second semester.
“Reaching children through music education during their most formative years, lays the foundation for creative learning and self-confidence,” said Matt Sorum, Founder, Adopt the Arts. “By partnering with teachers, school officials, and parents, we are working to inspire the next generation of creators, thinkers, and problem-solvers.”
Classrooms will be provided with instruments including Casio keyboards and Remo drums and will host professional musician and entertainment industry mentors to bring specific lessons to life. Also new this year is a multi-grade honors performance choir opportunity, The Changels, where students can audition and participate in public performances.
“Within our district, we have always valued the arts as a crucial component of a well-rounded education,” said Tony Signoret, Superintendent, Palm Springs Unified School District. “Partnering with Adopt the Arts to expand music opportunities in our elementary programs is a step forward in enhancing our commitment to enriching the student experience.”
This program will help to inform future expansion for Adopt the Arts to ensure early childhood music education reaches those who need it most.
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About Adopt the Arts
Adopt the Arts Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing underserved elementary schools with high-quality music education, curriculum and resources that empowers students with the music knowledge to learn, develop and grow. For more information about Adopt the Arts,
visit www.adoptthearts.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Banovetz-Bastian
jennbanllb@gmail.com
310.498.5273
