Boston, MA (October 19, 2004) - Boston Arts Academy, the city's first and only public high school for the visual and performing arts, and First Act Inc., a leading provider of high-quality musical instruments, today unveiled the Strings Outreach Program. The program will bring comprehensive string instrument instruction to more that 130 students at three public elementary and middle schools in Dorchester. The two organizations held a special kick-off event today for the program, featuring Boston City Councilor John Tobin, Deputy Superintendent for Clusters and School Leaders Muriel Leonard, Boston Symphony Orchestra Cellist Bill Round, Boston Arts Academy Headmaster Linda Nathan, First Act Chairman of the Board Bernard Chiu, Boston Arts Academy music majors, and the elementary and middle school students participating in the program.
"It is cause for great joy when generous philanthropists from the private sector step forward to fill the gap between what public schools can afford and what leaders in public education seek to achieve," said Deputy Superintendent for Clusters and School Leaders Muriel Leonard. "I would like to extend a special thanks to Bernard Chiu for making this important program possible."
"We are blessed to have First Act's generous support in this effort to bring music programs back into our public elementary and middle schools," said Linda Nathan, headmaster of Boston Arts Academy. "Boston Arts Academy continues to demonstrate the importance of the arts in shaping young lives and enhancing students' academic opportunities, and we are proud to be leading efforts to incorporate the arts into educational curricula throughout Boston's public schools."
The Strings Outreach Program is being implemented at the Dever Elementary School, grades K-5, the McCormack Middle School, grades 6-8, and the Murphy School, grades K-6. More than 80 students have been registered for the program.
"First Act shares Boston Arts Academy's commitment to making the arts accessible to students of all backgrounds, and we are delighted to partner with the school to bring this mportant opportunity to so many young students in Boston," said Bernard Chiu, First Act's chairman of the Board. "By bringing more instruments to more people, First Act is sending the message that music participation is integral to our lives. The Strings Outreach Program will enable students who may not have had a music education to experience the joy of making music."
The Strings Outreach Program is the first time First Act and the Boston Arts Academy have partnered. First Act's donation of 100 violins and 100 violas (retailing at $50,000), plus $65,000 to pay for 3 teacher salaries is testimony to the company's community giveback philosophies. Boston Arts Academy is providing the music teachers and will run the program. Arts Academy music majors will act as mentors to the elementary and middle school students as they embark on the journey of learning to play a musical instrument.
About Boston Arts Academy:
Boston Arts Academy is the city's first and only public high school for the visual and performing arts. The Arts Academy is committed to a rigorous academic and arts education within a college preparatory program. As a pilot school within the Boston public school system, the Arts Academy is charged with being a laboratory of academic innovation and a beacon for arts education. More than 95% of its students go on to college, and all of its students have passed the MCAS.
About First Act:
First Act Inc., based in Boston, MA, is a premier musical products Company. First Act's entrepreneurs, musicians, and artisans develop superior musical instruments that are made to be heard and crafted to last.
First Act's Studio for Artists designs and builds custom guitars for professional musicians in a progressive, sophisticated in-house studio. First Act's Concert Series(tm) offers band students a comprehensive range of instrument choices while First Act's line for teens and adults includes a wide range of guitars, drums, hand percussion, and accessories. First Act's Discovery(tm) line of instruments gives young children a musical head start.