The Detroit Symphony Orchestra announced today that Honda has provided the institution a gift of over $1 million to create The Power of Dreams Music Education Fund to help support and expand the DSO's nationally acclaimed music programs for young people, and particularly an effort to encourage and support involvement of children in Detroit. Honda will also support a campaign to promote public donations to the fund.
Over the next five years the DSO partnership with Honda will include:
- Launch of a new initiative called The Power of Dreams String Project to provide introductory music education/string training to children in metro-Detroit communities where opportunities are non-existent or unaffordable.
- Establishment of The Power of Dreams Music Scholar program to provide private lessons to aspiring students with financial need in the String Project, DSO Civic Ensembles and/or Detroit School of Arts (DSA), enabling them to fully develop their musical capabilities.
- Support of DSO Civic Youth Ensemble performances; the DSO's educational partnership activities with the DSA; and the DSO's spring Educational Concert Series for metro area school children on April 10, 2008 in Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center.
- Support of the 2008 Classical Roots Gala which raises funds for programs such as the DSO's African-American Fellowship Program.
- Sponsorship of renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma's performance with the DSO on May 13, 2008, as well as a special daytime educational event for students (time and details TBA).
Honda's support will also help launch a public campaign to generate support for The Power of Dreams Fund. Honda has invited DSO musicians and students to perform in the Honda exhibit at the Detroit Auto Show Charity Gala on Friday, January 18 between 6 and 8:30 p.m. to celebrate this new partnership and to increase community awareness of this initiative. The public is encouraged to support the Power of Dreams Music Education Fund online at www.detroitsymphony.com. Beginning February 11, 2008, donors of $100 or more to this Fund will be eligible to win a variety of prizes including a 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 sedan, signed Yo-Yo Ma CDs and tickets to the May 13 Yo-Yo Ma performance at The Max. (Contest details will be available on the DSO's web site starting February 11).
"We are thrilled about this new partnership with Honda to support music education in our community," said Anne Parsons, DSO President and Executive Director. "Through Honda's support, our innovative Civic and DSA programs, which are unique in the nation, will help more young people tap into their creative abilities. It is especially gratifying that, for the first time, The Power of Dreams Fund will enable us to introduce children in our city to the wonders of playing an instrument, in particular where music education is not available or affordable. It will enable an exciting reality for many Detroit children."
Gary Kessler, Senior Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. said, "Honda's active involvement in the community is focused on youth and education and we are pleased to join the DSO in a shared vision for creating unique and engaging educational experiences that can help young people to realize their dreams."
Conductor Leonard Slatkin, who becomes Music Director of the DSO next fall said, "Music education is a top priority for me. I look forward to working with Honda to provide musical opportunities that will make an impact on our young people. The innovative quality of Detroit's initiatives, and my ability to lead in this area, is one of the things that attracted me to the DSO. Together we will be leaders in the field."
Beginning in September 2008, The Power of Dreams String Project will engage Detroit children in the exciting activity of learning to play the violin, viola, cello or string bass. The program will assist children who do not have access to instruments to acquire them on loan. Currently, only 30% of Detroit Public Schools are able to offer music education in their curriculum. Honda and the DSO are seeking to enhance opportunities for Detroit children by creating opportunities for under-served schools. The String Project will enroll approximately 200 children the first year in grades three through six. Lessons in small groups will take place at the Jacob Bernard Pincus Music Education Center at The Max and at several satellite neighborhood locations in Detroit, yet to be named. 20 students a year will qualify for private lessons through The Power of Dreams Music Scholar program.
As part of their developing relationship with the DSO, children and families participating in the Project will receive a Power of Dreams Card which can be used to obtain tickets to Young People's Concerts, Civic Ensemble performances and other DSO events. This program concept was developed by the DSO in cooperation with Honda and a Curriculum Advisory Committee made up of local education and community leaders.
"We asked experts in the community for their input on how we could make a significant impact," said Charles Burke, DSO Director of Education and Music Director of the Civic Ensembles. "Invariably, the answer was to provide an entry point to music for children in the community who do not have access otherwise. Creating early learning opportunities will establish a foundation upon which kids can build."
The String Project will charge $5 per student per class, but fees will be waived for students whose families demonstrate a need for assistance. As with current DSO educational programs, an emphasis will be placed on recruiting and developing the talents of minority youths. Both this program and the private lessons will enable beginning students to graduate into more commonly available advanced music programs through the DSO's Civic programs or in their local school systems (at the middle school, high school level).
The Detroit Symphony Civic Youth Ensembles (CYE) program is Michigan's most comprehensive pre-professional training program for orchestra, chamber, wind and jazz musicians. One of the cornerstones of the DSO's educational mission, the program now boasts nine different classical and jazz ensembles. Nearly 500 students weekly ages 8 to 24 come from dozens of Southeast Michigan schools and colleges to participate weekly. Members of Civic rehearse at the Jacob Bernard Pincus Music Education Center (located inside The Max) and each ensemble performs a three-concert season at The Max. Participants enjoy unparalleled access to DSO musicians who interact closely with students by leading sectionals and coaching the chamber groups. Students also frequently benefit from master classes and rehearsals with guests artists and conductors including such luminary stars as Itzhak Perlman, Midori, Pincus Zukerman, Regina Carter, Wycliffe Gordon, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Yan Pascal Tortelier, Neeme Järvi, Thomas Wilkins and Hugh Wolff.
The Detroit School of Arts (DSA) is a Detroit Public High School built on land donated by the DSO directly behind the Max M. Fisher Music Center. Opened in 2005 and now hosting a student body of more than 950, the school offers classes in music, art, theater arts, dance and communications technology, in addition to required courses in English, math, history and science. The DSO's partnership with the DSA provides many benefits to DSA music students including DSO musician visits for lecture/demonstrations, coaching, sectionals, master classes and private lessons. Students also receive guest rehearsals and master classes with classical and jazz guest artists appearing at The Max and performance opportunities with DSO musicians in Orchestra Hall, the DSA's 800-seat Ford Center for the Performing Arts and the DSA's 200-seat recital hall.
Honda is the world's largest engine maker, producing a vast array of products, including automobiles, motorcycles, power equipment and, soon, jet aircraft - all designed to advance mobility and improve the lives of people through continued innovations in technology and design. Based on its belief in The Power of Dreams, and in the ability of individuals to create a new and better future for society, Honda also supports a variety of initiatives aimed at advancing education and creating experiences of discovery that help people to see and achieve their own dreams. For more information on Honda's philanthropic efforts and other innovative business initiatives, please visit www.corporate.honda.com
For more information about Detroit Symphony Orchestra educational programs, visit the organization online at www.detroitsymphony.com.