International House of Blues Foundation Awards McDonogh 35’s Music Program
NEW ORLEANS – International House of Blues Foundation has awarded a $4,500 grant and new instruments in support of McDonogh 35 Senior High School's music program as part of the 2014 Action for the Arts Grants.
The school will receive new instruments on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 4:15 p.m.
"Music has the power to create opportunities and open doors,” said International House of Blues Foundation Executive Director Marjorie Gilberg. “We are dedicated to connecting emerging young artists with musical opportunities and resources through programs like our Action for the Arts Grants.”
Several House of Blues New Orleans team members, Foundation donors and Foundation Staff will deliver the award to students
"New Orleans is a rich community of talented young students with a strong passion for the arts." said House of Blues New Orleans General Manager Robert Rizzuto. "International House of Blues Foundation offers opportunities to these students by providing grants, musical education and instruments. We are proud to partner with a program that encourages our youth to reach their potential, fulfill their dreams, and help keep the arts alive. A few former scholarship recipients & local successes are Irvin Mayfield and Trombone Shorty."
The school will receive new instruments to allow more students the chance to practice and lead to more opportunities for the community.
"The students of McDonogh 35 are currently using old and broken instruments. Many of the instruments are beyond repair being held together by electrical tape and other makeshift repairs," said McDonogh Band Director Lawrence Rawlins. "Acquiring new instruments for the students would enhance the music program, enrich the students' music education, and lead to successful pathways."
Founded in 1993, the International House of Blues Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fosters unity and creates opportunity through music and the arts.
The Foundation's 2014 Action for the Arts Grants Program awarded $220,000 to 63 schools and organizations reaching underserved youth in communities nationwide. Additional schools and organizations in the New Orleans area receiving Action for the Arts grants include: L.B. Landry-O.P. Walker College and Career Preparatory High School, McDonogh #32 Literacy Charter School, Better Than Ezra Foundation, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation.
