Rotary Music4Life Partners with Highline Public Schools

TABLE OF CONTENTS Highline Public Schools Join Music4Life Program Highline Music4Life Starts with Fifth & Sixth Graders Celebrities Support Music4Life Giving Young Musicians a Chance Thanks to Our Presenting Partners DONATE:    FEATURED PROGRAM Musical Instruments Acquired in Two Ways Many adults no longer play musical instruments that are gathering dust in their attics and garages. We gratefully accept those 'lovingly used' instruments, repair them as needed and then donate them to Highline Schools. Used musical instruments can be dropped-off at Kennelly Keys Music in South Center or the KeyBank branch at 22033 Marine View Drive in Des Moines, WA. We also buy new musical instruments that the Highline band and orchestra directors tell us they need for eligible young musicians. Donations also help take care of musical supplies and repairs. Endicott says monetary donations can be made via PayPal accounts or by visiting the website at www.HighlineMusic4Life.org. Donate today.   CONTACT US: For more information about  Music4Life, contact: David Endicott The Music4Life Program An Official Project of Rotary District 5030 1948 Clise Place West Seattle, Washington 98199 (206) 409-3275 david@davidendicott.us  www.SeattleMusic4Life.org   Dick Lee Office of School Partnerships  MS 33 - 301  P.O. Box 34165 Seattle, WA 98124-1165 (206) 252-0476 rjlee@seattleschools.org QUESTIONS?  Have questions about Music4Life? Find answers  here!

Quarter Notes Special Issue    Highline Public Schools Join Music4Life™ Program  Highline Public Schools recently became the second major Northwest public school district to join the Music4Life program.  The Highline Music4Life program (www.HighlineMusic4Life.org) is now working to acquire musical instruments and supplies for eligible elementary students. Working cooperatively with the Highline Schools are the three Rotary clubs located within the district and Music4Life™, all non-profit organizations. "Our goal is to provide every student in the district an opportunity to play a musical instrument, if they want to, regardless of their ability to afford it," says Steve Swank of the Des Moines Rotary Club. "We do this at a time of financial challenge because research shows that students who study instrumental music do better in math, science, history, languages and many other academic disciplines. We believe that, when funding is low, it is time for the community to step-up." "Music4Life is a great example of how the community is partnering with schools to support our students," says Highline Superintendent John Welch. "We are grateful to Rotary for initiating this project. Many children who cannot afford an instrument will now have the opportunity to participate in band. That's especially important in Highline, where more than two-thirds of our students live in poverty." Highline Music4Life is a community service activity that is Rotary-inspired, but you don't have to be a member of a Rotary club to support it, says David Endicott of Music4Life. "We're very glad to have the support of anyone who understands the immense value of instrumental music in a child's life."       Highline Music4Life Starts with Fifth & Sixth Graders Highline Music4Life begins by providing musical instruments to fifth and sixth graders who qualify for the free- and reduced-lunch program. "In special circumstances, we can provide instruments to older children, as well," Endicott says. "Our goal is to enable as many young people to take advantage of these instrumental music opportunities as possible." "We know that there are students interested in instrumental music but who don't have the resources to acquire an instrument," says Stefan Nelson, the new Cultural Arts Specialist for Highline Public Schools. "As a matter of equity, we need to increase the availability of instruments to all of our students, especially for our schools in high poverty areas. With enough new or used instruments, we can increase elementary instrumental music participation significantly." Currently, 24 percent of all fifth and sixth grade students in Highline Public Schools participate in instrumental music programs. The Highline Music4Life initiative intends to increase that number to 40 percent. Rotary has a history of supporting music education in area public schools. In addition, Highline Music4Life enjoys the support of notable music advocates and other community leaders. Celebrities Support Music4Life. Gerard Schwarz, world-renowned conductor of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, endorsed the program, saying, "This wonderful program begins with children in elementary school at a time when, if they're interested and talented in any way, they have the greatest chance of success. Many people tell me of the impact that direct knowledge of instrumental music has had on their lives. We intend to give this advantage to all our children." Giving Young Musicians a Chance Music4Life™ acquires musical instruments and supplies for young musicians from financially challenged families in the Highline Public Schools. Highline Music4Life is a community activity that is inspired by the Rotary Clubs of Des Moines, Burien-White Center and SeaTac. It is not necessary to be a Rotarian to participate. For more information or to donate an instrument to Highline Music4Life, contact David@DavidEndicott.us or call (206) 409-3275 or go to our website at www.HighlineMusic4Life.org . Instrument donation forms are available online, as well as at the instrument drop-off sites.   Music4Life aims to provide all public school students with the instruments (new or in good working condition), high quality instruction, and supplies they need to participate in instrumental music programs. Quarter Notes is intended both to celebrate our successes and to let you know how you can support the goals we all share.   Thanks to Our Presenting Partners: Kennelly Keys has offered their stores as Seattle Music4Life and Highline Music4Life drop-off points, and provides special pricing for our purchases.