San Diego High School’s Instrumental Music program awarded with $3,000 grant from House of Blues foundation

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – House of Blues Music Forward Foundation has awarded a $3,000 grant in support of San Diego High School’s Instrumental Music program as part of the 2015-2016 Action for the Arts Grants.

San Diego High will receive the grant in the form of instruments and musical resources on Oct. 13 at 2:30 p.m. at 1405 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101.

“Music Forward knows that participation in music programs helps youth develop transferable life skills such as diligence, focus and critical thinking,” said Executive Director Marjorie Gilberg. “Action for the Arts grant funding ensures thousands more young people will benefit from learning and playing music.”

The school will receive their percussion instruments and musical resources to allow more students the chance to practice and lead to more opportunities to engage for the community.

“For most students, the Instrumental Music Program is their first and perhaps only opportunity to gain the academic and cognitive benefits of music making, but our percussion instruments are at least 15 years old, possibly older, and replacement parts are no long being manufactured,” said Instrumental Music Director Jose Diaz. “New or refurbished instruments would meaningful to the students who play these instruments and allow the music program to continue with its goals of expanding so that student involvement in the marching band can increase.”

Several Music Forward donors along with representatives from House of Blues San Diego and Music Forward will deliver the award to students.

“House of Blues in San Diego is honored to participate in the annual instrument donation to San Diego’s High School students. Music is ingrained in our culture and we are always excited to share music with the local community,” said House of Blues San Diego/Anaheim General Manager Brian Carp. “Music Forward provides us with this opportunity and we look forward to it each and every year.”  

Music Forward’s 2015-2016 Action for the Arts Grants Program awarded $225,000 to 62 schools and organizations reaching underserved youth in communities nationwide.

Additionally, San Diego Young Artists Music Academy will also be receiving a grant $3,000 in support of their music program.

For more information on Action for the Arts Grants and other Music Forward programs, visit House of Blues Music Forward Foundation.