NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 18, 2008) — On Sept. 30, musician, songwriter and Yamaha artist
Barry Manilow fulfilled his promise. At a press conference held at Palm Springs High School in California, Manilow gave more than $500,000 in musical instruments, sheet music and music stand to 20 middle and high schools in the Palm Springs, Coachella Valley, and Desert Sands school districts. Barry partnered with Yamaha to purchase the musical instruments to help revitalize the ailing music programs in schools.
"When we were approached by Manilow regarding this project, we were happy to help in any way we could," comments Chris Gero, vice president of Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc. "Music education is important to Yamaha as well, so it was an honor for us to be chosen as the musical instrument manufacturer for this worthy cause."
In response to the needs of the local public schools and their severely depleted music programs, Manilow gathered some friends and formed The Manilow Music Project (MMP) as part of his non-profit Manilow Fund for Health and Hope. The mission statement of the Manilow Music Project highlights the importance of music programs in schools and donates instruments and materials to school music programs.
Manilow spoke to the crowd of teachers, school administrators, and special guests in a brief and impassioned speech of encouragement. He shared how his own life had been profoundly changed by music. Having been given the gift of a piano when he was a young boy, Manilow knows first-hand the power and ability that music carries in making a difference in a child's life.
The Manilow Music Project is sponsored by Manilow, along with Yamaha, Hal Leonard, Toys 'R Us Children's Fund, and the non-profit Manilow Fund for Health and Hope.
For more information on Yamaha artists or the extensive Yamaha product catalog, please visit
www.yamahaartists.com.
