FEATURED SPOTLIGHT

Growth in Music Programs Celebrated During “Music in our Schools Month”

In honor of Music in Our Schools Month, DCPS would like to recognize the school and district staff and community partners who make it possible to bring the gift of music into our classrooms.

As a result of ongoing efforts to increase access to arts education, DCPS has seen an increase of enrollment in music courses over the last few years. In 2010, 3,150 students were enrolled in instrumental courses for Duval County Public Schools. Today, we have over 6,100 students enrolled in instrumental courses (band, orchestra, guitar, and keyboard). Along with the growth of music offerings, comes the growing need for instruments as many of our students simply can’t afford to purchase or rent one. Our district’s Instruments for Change campaign has provided an opportunity for community members to donate new and gently used instruments. To date, 200 instruments have been collected along with monetary donations to support the musical growth of our students. This year alone, we have collected instruments valued at more than $15,000.

We are thankful to our community partners – including Alhambra Theatre and Dining, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 129, the Cathedral Arts Project, Florida Blue, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville Public Education Fund, Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville Symphony, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Downtown Council of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and Riverside Fine Arts –  who help bolster our music and arts education. We could not do this work without their support.

As a shining example of how community and external agency support make music education possible, the Can’d Aid Foundation and funk band SunSquabi will be presenting a $3,000 check to Ramona Elementary School for the purchase of new risers for the students on Monday, March 26. The check presentation will be preceded by a concert at the school for students at 9 AM.  Visit here for more information about Music and Arts in Our Schools Month.