N E W S
KSWD-100.3 THE SOUNDLAUNCHES PROJECT M.U.S.I.C. TO HELP REMEDYUNDERFUNDED
MUSIC EDUCATION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
December 11, 2009Contact:
For immediate releaseLucille Fortunato / (323) 692-5442
Los Angeles – With an innovative response to the unprecedented budget crisis in Southern California schools, Los Angeles radio station 100.3 The Sound (KSWD) todayannounced its launch of Project M.U.S.I.C., a dynamic and far-reaching support program for underfunded music education in the greater Los Angeles metro and Orange County areas.
To promote awareness and raise urgently needed funding to keep music education alive in our schools, The Sound – a Bonneville International station – is partnering in Project M.U.S.I.C.with The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE Education Program and the Arts Advantage Program of the Orange County Department of Education. Both are influential organizations fully dedicated to ensuring that Southern California’s youth do not lose the power of music to enrich and change their lives.
“Due to its status as a global center for entertainment,” said Peter Burton, KSWD VP and market manager,“Southern California offers children an unparalleled exposure to the arts, in which music plays an important and proven role. However, having three of my own children in the school system, I know that as hard-hit school districts lose critical arts funding, our education system is losing its ability to educate and nurture the creative potential of its students.
“More than that,” he continued,“studies show conclusively that music education is critical to the overall development of young minds, as they build valuable math, science, verbal, and analytical skills. Clearly, musical education is not a luxury.”
Project M.U.S.I.C. uses corporate and individual donations to support continuing programs across the Southland. In Los Angeles, The GRAMMY Museum Education Department offers a diverse range of learning opportunities, including daily school tours, workshops, and performances as well as a full range of family-oriented programs. The Museum also offers after-school classes focused on building a career in the music industry. The classes are taught, on a volunteer basis, by music industry professionals who help students develop the skills that will serve them well in a career in music. Qualified students are able to take these classes free of charge and actually receive high school credit upon completion.
Bob Santelli, executive director of The GRAMMY Museum, says of the community spirit behind the program, “The ones who will benefit the most are the ones who need to benefit the most, and that is our kids.”
The Arts Advantage program of Orange County Department of Education assists public school districts in creating, implementing, and improving music education programming for K-12 students. Through that program, teachers have substantial help with materials, professional development, and creating curricula for this expanding and vital initiative.
Jim Thomas, coordinator for visual and performing arts at the Orange County Department of Education, points out the need behind Project M.U.S.I.C. “Jobs of the future will require a whole new mindset,” he said,“and music education is right at the center of that mindset.”
Since its first day on the air, 100.3 The Sound has been and continues to be all about the music, and Southern California is synonymous with great rock. Project M.U.S.I.C. is The Sound's way of giving back in a meaningful way, helping to develop the next generation of musicians, keeping the spirit of music alive and thriving, growing, and moving toward the future.
“As our pledge to the effort to keep music alive in our schools,” Burton said,“100.3 The Sound encourages donationsof time and money from our many supporters - both our listeners and corporate partners. We are proud to join with the entire arts and education community of Southern California to help inspire students and adults to spread the word that music is one precious local resource that will be renewed for generations to come.”
More information about Project M.U.S.I.C. and how you can donate can be found at
The Sound (100.3 FM)is all about the best "rock" music ever made. On The Sound you'll hear everything from the geniuses that gave birth to the seminal rock of the '60s and '70s to the ever-evolving offspring of that music, including great stuff that came out last year...or even last week. And, the early response from listening audiences, both over the air and online, has been phenomenal and enthusiastic.
Bonneville International ( is a dynamic and award-winning media company with radio and online operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Cincinnati, with company headquarters in Salt Lake City. Known not only as a leader in the industry but also as a values-driven company, Bonneville’s mission is to "Make a Difference" in the communities where it operates. Bonneville is a national leader in providing quality, values-oriented media products.
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