November 3, 2000

Calling All College Bands! Application Invited for Save the Music Benefit at Ramapo College

(Mahwah) – In preparation for a Battle of the College Bands to benefit the Save The Music Foundation, college bands are invited to send in an application to be among those selected to perform at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Those interested can download an application from www.tweakmedia.com and must submit a CD. There is a $5 band application fee. The deadline for applications is November 22 and the performance is December 6 in the Berrie Center Sharp Theater at Ramapo College. The Battle of the Bands is sponsored by Victor’s House of Music in Paramus, Cablevision and VH1.

The Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit initiative with two primary missions: To restore music education programs in America’s public schools, and to raise awareness of the positive impact music participation has on students. Save The Music is committed to restoring music education programs for one million children in the next ten years.

Research has shown that involvement in music programs improves a child’s early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, self-esteem, SAT scores, self-discipline, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance. Also, children involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, and less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse.

Music education programs have eroded in cities and communities across the country over the past 30 years. The sponsors are dedicated to turning back this trend to ensure all children have access to a quality education that includes music.

Save The Music conducts awareness campaigns, musical instrument drives and fundraising events to help restore instrumental music programs in public schools. Save The Music works with its media partners in identifying cities to participate in the program each year. Once a community is selected, the Foundation works with local cable systems, public school boards and administrators to restore beginning instrumental music programs where they no longer exist. The local school system must conduct the music program as part of the regular school day, and provide a qualified teacher for instruction.
Since its inception in 1997, Save The Music has supported more than 350 music education programs in 30 cities. So far more than 120,000 children have been helped. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton cited Save The Music as a model initiative for improving America’s public schools.