Summary

Members proclaim “Music4Life” Month in King County

Story

Jim Kelly, Executive Director of 4Culture, speaks to the Council after Councilmembers declared the month of June "Music4Life Month" in King County.  Behind Kelly are Shoreline music teacher Ken Noreen (l), Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski and Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles

Music can be as vital to a child’s education as math, reading and science. The Metropolitan King County Council recognized the importance of music in school by acknowledging the work of Music4Life, a program that provides instruments to low-income students throughout the region, by proclaiming June “Music4Life” Month in King County.

“I am thrilled to recognize the work of Music4Life in providing instruments to children in King County.” said Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski, the sponsor of the proclamation. “Music helps students thrive in all academic disciplines, and as the parent of two children who play instruments, I know the positive impact music education makes in young students’ lives.”

“Music is a gift that every child and young person can benefit from through participation in music education. No one should be denied that opportunity because of challenges with affordability,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles. “I am pleased to recognize Music4Life today and urge anyone with spare instruments to donate!”

For some students, the ability to play an instrument is a matter of income. Since 2007, Music4Life has repaired and provided ready-to-play instruments to participating public school districts for use by students of low-income families. Music4Life works in partnership with instrument manufacturers, rental agencies, wholesalers, retailers, and others to provide instruments to school districts.

“I am delighted to join the members of the King County Council in honoring Music4Life’s crucial work to get instruments into the hands of promising student musicians,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Learning to read and play music in school not only has been shown to benefit young people in their other academic work, it gives them the opportunity to work as part of a team and to nurture a lifelong interest in the arts.”

1,800 instruments donated through Music4Life have allowed students in school districts in King and Snohomish Counties to pursue their musical dreams.

“Many people have ‘lovingly used’ musical instruments in their garages or attics that can be repaired,” says David Endicott, President & COO of Music4Life. “We have special relationships with local repair shops who provide discounts to us because we bring volumes of instruments to them. Once a donor realizes that an instrument’s highest and best use is to put it back into play, we get lots of them donated to us. We’re very appreciative.”

For people who have instruments they would like to donate, or want more information on Music4Life, go to www.Music4Life.org

WHEREAS, the benefits of participating in instrumental music at any age can last a lifetime; and

WHEREAS, research now shows that students who participate in instrumental music programs tend to do better in math, science, history, literature, reading, writing, foreign languages, computer science, and other academic disciplines; and

WHEREAS, music education is an integral part of a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in life by teaching teamwork and discipline; and

WHEREAS, the cost of owning or renting an instrument is a barrier to participating in instrumental music for students from low-income families; and

WHEREAS, many adults have lovingly used musical instruments stored in their garages or attics that they no longer need; and

WHEREAS, the non-profit organization Music4Life has been repairing and providing ready-to-play instruments to participating public school districts for use by students of low-income families since 2007; and

WHEREAS, Music4Life guarantees that all instruments will be used exclusively for the benefit of students in the school district in which the instruments are donated; and

WHEREAS, Music4Life has provided approximately 1,800 musical instruments to children in the greater Seattle area, including those attending Edmonds, Highline, Mukilteo, Seattle, and Shoreline public schools;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council and the King County Executive proclaim June 2016 as

in King County and encourage all residents to donate lovingly used musical instruments they may have by going to www.Music4Life.org and to support this home grown organization.

DATED this first day of June, 2016.