Shoreline Schools Music4Life™ to Expand Instrumental Music Here

A new community initiative announced at Monday night's Shoreline School Board meeting will expand instrumental music education for children in Shoreline Public Schools. 

The Shoreline Schools Music4Life program (www.ShorelineSchoolsMusic4Life.org) will acquire musical instruments and supplies for eligible elementary students. Working cooperatively with Shoreline Schools are the four Rotary clubs located within the school district andMusic4Life™, 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 Frank Michiels, President of the Lake Forest Park 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 Shoreline Superintendent Sue Walker.  “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 and orchestra. That’s especially important in Shoreline, where many students live in poverty.”

Shoreline Schools 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.” 

He says musical instruments are acquired for Shoreline Schools Music4Life in two ways.

“Many adults no longer play musical instruments that are gathering dust in their attics and garages,” he says.  “We gratefully accept those ‘lovingly used’ instruments, repair them as needed and then donate them absolutely free of charge to Shoreline Schools.”  Used musical instruments can be dropped-off at any Kennelly Keys Music store or at one of several conveniently located sites being identified.

“We can also buy new musical instruments that the Shoreline Schools band and orchestra directors tell us they need for eligible young musicians.”  Donations help take care of musical supplies and repairs.  Endicott says monetary donations can be made via PayPal accounts or by visiting the www.ShorelineSchoolsMusic4Life.org Website.

Shoreline Schools Music4Life begins by providing musical instruments to fourth, 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 don’t have the resources to acquire an instrument,” says Debi Ehrlichman, President of the Board of  Shoreline 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, 30 percent of all fifth and sixth grade students in Shoreline Public Schools who participate in instrumental music programs are income-eligible. The Shoreline Schools Music4Life™ initiative intends to assist half that number.

Rotary has a history of supporting music education in area public schools. Other Music4Life programs support the Seattle and Highline school systems. Music4Life enjoys the support of notable music advocates and other community leaders.

Gerard Schwarz, world-renowned conductor laureate 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.”

Source: David Endicott, President, Music4Life