On Monday, December 1st, VH-1 and Adelphia Cable presented a formal announcement/ press event regarding the $50,000 donation of new band and orchestra instruments to Will Rogers and Edison elementary schools. Speakers included Lorne Hammond, VH-1, two representatives from Adelphia Cable, John Deasy - Superintendent, Maureen Bradford - Will Rogers Principal, Ernesto Leon - Edison Elementary Principal, Tom Whaley - SMMUSD Coordinator of Fine Arts, and two student speakers from Will Rogers. The special musical guests were two members from the pop group "Hanson". They shared their thoughts on the power of music in their lives and the influence music has on learning and life skills. The press in attendance included a reporter from the Santa Monica Mirror, photographer from VH-1 and a reporter from TV station, KCAL-9. There were two student performances during the event; Will Rogers' advanced winds under the direction of Mr. Allen Loyd and the Edison advanced string group under the direction of Ms. Kirsten Bersch. Student performers received VH-1 T-shirts and participated in photos with the dignitaries.

As an added plus, after the event, Tom Whaley had a conversation with Mr. Hammond from VH-1 concerning the need for guitars to start a guitar class at Olympic. VH1 will send 30 new acoustic/electric guitars for Olympic students.

####

SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

1651 16^TH Street, Santa Monica 90404 - 310-450-8338 - Fax 310-581-1138

www.smmusd.org