Surprise Donation Made as Part of Effort to Support Music Education in Public Schools ANNAPOLIS, MD, November 2, 2011– Fidelity Investments®, a leader in helping Americans save for retirement, surprised students of Georgetown East Elementary today when the firm unveiled a donation of new musical instruments collectively valued at more than $25,000. The donation was made as part of Fidelity’s ongoing effort to support music programs in public schools across the country.
During a special music assembly featuring performances by the school’s band and orchestra, music teacher Shawn McNamara spoke about the importance of arts education before introducing guests from Fidelity to announce the donation. Staff members from Fidelity’s new Annapolis Investor Center presented the students with the new instruments, including: 15 violins, five flutes, four clarinets, four trumpets, three bell kits and a concert bass drum. The instruments are part of a specific wish list identified by the school to help expand their growing instrumental music program.
“Fidelity is happy to support the arts in our local schools and help programs, like the one here at Georgetown East Elementary, provide as many students as possible with opportunities to explore their interests in music,” said Jason Powell, vice president and anch manager of Fidelity’s new Annapolis Investor Center.
“Learning to play an instrument can be a valuable learning experience, teaching lifelong skills. We hope these new instruments will help Georgetown East ing more music into their classrooms and help ensure a ight future for students here for years to come.” Fidelity worked with The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (MHOF) to select the Anne Arundel County public school, which serves approximately 360 students, grades Pre K-5. MHOF is a national non-profit organization dedicated to inging musical instruments to underserved schools and community programs. Fidelity works closely with MHOF to identify schools to receive instrument donations. The foundation evaluates the instrumental needs of each school music program and then facilitates the purchase and delivery of the instruments on behalf of Fidelity. To date, Fidelity has donated more than 1,700 new instruments, valued at over $2 million, to schools across the country.r
r
Georgetown East Elementary students Ricquel Fox and Brian Rodriguez with new violins donated by Fidelity Investments.
r
“Georgetown East Elementary School enjoys great diversity, with teachers and staff who promote a unified vision of academic excellence. The instrumental program reflects this vision as well, where students learn that with consistent practice and performance, anything can be achieved,” said Principal Michele Batten. “Thanks to Mr. McNamara, the program is now twice as large as it was 3 years ago, and students are often turned away because there are not enough instruments. This generous grant from Fidelity Investments will allow those students to play, and we are grateful for the wonderful opportunity.”
Today, working with some of the world's most recognized orchestras– including the Boston Pops, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic– Fidelity programs provide unique educational opportunities for students to explore and expand their interests in music. This includes activities such as the donation of new musical instruments, field trips to symphony rehearsals and concerts, classroom workshops by symphony musicians, professional mentoring, music competitions and opportunities for student ensembles to perform on some of world's most prominent stages. Since 2006, Fidelity music and theater arts programs have touched more than 28,000 students representing 182 public schools nationwide.
r
MEDIA CONTACTS: Rogers and Cowan
Elizabeth Hinckley, 323-864-0429
elizhinckley@gmail.com
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Bob Mosier, 410-222-5312
rmosier@aacps.org
