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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Jessica Baron
Guitars In The Classroom
858-755-2239
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Guitars In The Classroom™ Brings Music Integration To California Classrooms
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(July 20, 2009; Solana Beach, CA)-Continuing its ten-year effort to bring the enjoyment and benefits of music participation to all children, Jessica Baron, Executive Director of Guitars In The Classroom™, has announced the successful completion of the organization's innovative music integration programs for the 2008-2009 school-year. Ms. Baron thanked the NAMM Foundation for their generous support and made special note of GITC's ongoing and newly created projects within the organization's home state of California where the recently concluded school year saw the expansion of GITC programs in twenty-one locations statewide.
"In the face of a difficult economy and diminished budgets, GITC was able to increase the availability of musical education in California classrooms this year," says Jessica. "We know that children do better in school and in life when they have a positive 'artitude' and we're pleased to have been able to contribute to making this critical difference at a time when teachers and students need it the most."
GITC programs complement traditional music education by expanding what students learn from their school music specialist and applying it in general classroom situations. In schools where music programs have been compromised or cut, GITC provides a vital connection to the value of developing musicality and creativity while supporting full music education for every child.
During the 2008-09 academic year, GITC faculty in nineteen cities in the Golden State participated in the initial phase of GITC's exciting new AMIGO (Achievement through Music Integration with Guitars) Project. AMIGO is designed to give teachers of Spanish speaking English Language Learners (ELLs) the tools they need to boost their students' language and literacy skills in English and help close the 'achievement gap' through integrated, song-based instruction. Pilot AMIGO sites included Atascadero, Benicia, Encinitas, Los Angeles, Napa, Oakland, Oakley, Oceanside, Petaluma, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Sonoma, Victorville and Watsonville- bringing a new level of music integration to more than 1100 teachers and approximately 113,000 students.
As the number of ELLs in American schools rises by as much as 200% in many cities across the nation, GITC's ground-breaking AMIGO Program follows the concept behind classic education-through-music programs like Sesame Street and Schoolhouse Rock but goes further-applying Guitars In The Classroom's "Strum & Sing" teacher training model while adapting the lyrics of traditional American folk songs and familiar Spanish language favorites such as "La bamba," and "Mi gallo" to reinforce learning in academic subjects such as math, science, social studies and language arts. Integrated learning through music provides deeper meaning and also helps reduce anxiety for students who find they can memorize, practice and express phrases and sentences more easily in a creative and socially motivating setting. Sponsored by GITC and the NAMM Foundation, AMIGO has the potential to benefit millions of "at risk" students by training classroom teachers to provide daily musical opportunities that help them succeed at school.
The recently finished school-year also saw the launch of another major GITC initiative in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Supported by a special grant from Guitar Center, GITC implemented three new regional programs in central Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Sherman Oaks. The new programs are capable of adding 120 new classroom teachers to the GITC program and reaching upwards of 8,000 students each year.
"It was exciting for me to see a group of teachers involved in a professional development activity that enhances and enriches the curriculum in their classrooms," states Sue Goldberg, principal of the Kester Avenue Magnet School in Sherman Oaks, California. "GITC was a very positive and worthwhile experience for our teachers and students and we're all looking forward to continuing the program next year. We want to sincerely thank GITC, Guitar Center and the NAMM Foundation for making it possible."
With an enthusiastic team of talented and dedicated teachers and volunteers, plus the steady support of the NAMM Foundation and leading music products industry corporations, plans are currently underway to significantly expand the number of GITC programs and locations in the coming months. Parents, educators and community members are encouraged to contact GITC about upcoming activities and events.
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Guitars In The Classroom is a non-profit organization that provides innovative musical training for classroom teachers so all students can experience the joy and essential benefits of making music. Its programs deliver ongoing instruction, access to instruments, and educational materials that weave music across the academic curriculum in sustainable, grassroots programs, nationwide. For further information or to get involved, please contact GITC at 858-755-2239 or go online at www.guitarsintheclassoom.org.
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07-21-09
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