23 October 2011
VVN Music
Barry Manilow is giving the gift of music to the schools of Joplin, MO, USA which was devastated by the worst tornado in fifty years.
The Manilow Music Project is donating over $300,000 in musical instruments in addition to sponsoring an instrument drive to get even more instruments into the hands of the Joplin High School students. The Manilow Music Project is partnering with local community business Fitterling Dentistry, who will host the drive location in Joplin which will culminate with Barry Manilow onsite for an incredible celebratory delivery and distribution event in Joplin, MO on Thursday, October 27th.
"I know firsthand how invaluable music can be to get you through life's tough times. It is an honor and a privilege to help these kids after such a disaster," says Manilow.
Due to the High School's additional loss of all sheet music in the tornado, monetary donations are also encouraged and will be accepted to help re-build the music department's library by purchasing new sheet music for the band, orchestra and vocal students.
"As a lifelong fan of Barry Manilow's music and humanitarian efforts, my husband and I are thrilled to work with the Manilow Music Project to help our community," stated Margie Fitterling of Fitterling Dentistry. Rick Castor, Music Director for Joplin High School concludes, "We feel very blessed to have an artist of Barry Manilow's stature committed to helping our students."
Formed in response to the needs of the local public schools and their severely depleted music programs, the Manilow Music Project highlights the importance of music programs in our schools and has donated millions in instruments and materials to school music programs across the country.
www.manilowmusicproject.org
