Schools

Student Musicians to Partner With Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, Thanks to New Grant

The Birmingham Education Foundation was selected to receive $2,500 from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for its new in-school musician residency program.

Birmingham's high school musicians will be receiving a little extra help from members of the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings this spring.

Last week, the Birmingham Education Foundation (BEF) received a $2,500 grant from the Oakland County Arts, Culture & Film office and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA).

The grant money will be used to support an in-school residency with the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings during the 2012-13 school year.

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"The generoous funding from MCACA, combined with an earlier Target grant, will help us establish a much-anticipated partnership with Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings," said Laura Cougar, the BEF's executive director. "By seeking outsiding funding, BEF works to support underfunded activities in the district."

"We're thrilled to have secured this grant to benefit the band and orchestra programs in the district," she added. The BEF raises funds for various programs in the Birmingham Public School district.

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According to a news release from the BEF, the non-profit chose the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings due to its artistic excellence as well as its leadership in education and outreach programs.

As part of the grant, musicians from the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings will visit Seaholm and Groves high schools for coaching, master classes and workshops.

In addition, a free concert featuring students and Winds & Strings musicians will be held this spring at Groves while select students will perform at a Winds & Strings subscription concert this spring.

Every year, the MCACA awards project grants of up to $4,000 to Michigan non-profit organizations for "high-quality, locally developed projects that increase public access to art and culture." This year, more than $13,000 was awarded to arts programs throughout Oakland County.

Other Oakland County organizations to receive the awards are:

  • Adams Parents for Instrumental Music at Rochester Adams High School. The group received $1,250 to host a residency program with Pro Musica of Detroit and classical guitarist Dimitris Kotronakis at Adams High School this spring. 
  • Troy Schools. The district received $3,000 for a Kids n' Motion series for elementary students.
  • Waterford Kettering High School. The school received $3,000 for a two-day artistic residency for middle and high school band students by the Motor City Brass Band. 
  • Stagecrafters. The Royal Oak community theater organization received $893 to fund professional development for employees. 
  • Mary Helen Guest Elementary, Walled Lake. They received $2,500 for a songwriting residency for fifth-grade students.

The county is currently accepting grant applications for projects and professional development through Feb. 1. Grant application and guidelines are available online at www.ArtsOakland.com.


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