Steinway Society works to keep music education alive in Coachella Valley schools
Let the music play!
Studies have shown that young children greatly benefit from exposure to music. It has a powerful effect on growing brains but sadly, music programs began disappearing from public school curriculums years ago.
Funding for school choirs and bands and orchestras is low on most budget priorities. But thankfully there are many nonprofits that dedicate themselves to keeping music alive in schools.
One wonderful local nonprofit is the Steinway Society of Riverside County.
Its vision is simple and passionate. The Steinway Society of Riverside County was founded to maximize the musical education opportunities of youth in the Coachella Valley both within and outside the academic environment.
A very impressive mission but one that demands crucial funds.
Phyllis Mintz Eisenberg is a long-time volunteer who is committed to continuing the musical educational opportunities for youth in our valley.
"I am very proud of the work we do to provide music classes for the children in our community," she says. "It's crucial young people have a chance to be exposed to the power of music. We recently had our very successful "Bravo Children in Music" fundraiser in February honoring our very talented friend, actress Joyce Bulifant. I'm proud to say, with the help of our wonderful community supporters, we raised enough money to keep our programs going. But we always need more funding, of course."
The nonprofit has been invested in musical arts education since is inception in 2002. The organization has a full menu of musical experiences, music education and instrumental instructional programs serving thousands of children and young adults each year throughout our entire valley. All three school districts have benefited from its generosity.
To help keep the music playing, we award The Steinway Society of Riverside County this week's Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation Power of Community $1,000 grant.
The world of music's positive impact is far more complex and far-reaching than most of us realize. There are so many benefits. Engaging with music improves language development, increases IQ, improves test scores, helps reduce stress and improves memory. What wonderful statistics!
We are so proud to support this ongoing resource. Congratulations! Our hearts are singing.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit steinwayriverside.org.
Sandie Newton is an award-winning broadcast journalist who began her career in Los Angeles as cohost of the nationally syndicated show "PM Magazine." She went on to host many local and national shows like "Hollywood Insider" before becoming one of the original anchors for E! and a regular on Hallmark Channel's "Home & Family." In 2017, she moved to the desert, creating and hosting NBCares for six years. She is currently the host of "Desert Chat," a half-hour lifestyle show spotlighting all the good people, events and news in the Coachella Valley. Watch it Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on KESQ, at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 11 and noon Mondays on CW5.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Steinway Society works to keep music education alive in local schools
