We have awarded numerous matching grants this year. The following were awarded in the first quarter:
Adams, MA: Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter School serves mainly low-income families from rural areas in Berkshire County grades 6-11; they received matching support for 2 double basses.
Austin, TX: Kealing Middle School received matching support for 2 violins and one cello.
Austin, TX: Soundwaves provides string instruction in Title 1 schools in the Austin area. 3rd graders are served; the plan is to expand the program to the 4th grade while continuing the program for 3rd graders. They received a matching grant to provide new instruments for this growing program.
Bridge Boston Charter School received a second matching grant for several more new instruments for their growing program.
Bridgeport, CT: KEYS offers free music instruction to kids unable to otherwise have access to music lessons. In order to expand their offering and provide a badly needed increase in inventory, they received a matching grant for many new violins.
Manitowoc, WI: Manitowoc Public School District: This large orchestral program serving students grades 5-12 has an inventory in serious need of revitalization; many of their instruments are beyond repair. They received a matching grant toward rebuilding an exciting new inventory of instruments.
The Salvation Army Los Angeles Red Shield Kroc Center: This is the fourth request from TSA’s Kroc Centers; Boston is thriving, and programs are beginning in San Francisco and Phoenix. They received support for a grant of 20 instruments (10 violins, 5 violas and 5 cellos) for this new and quickly growing program.