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Honda Partnership With the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO)
Growing Need
Deep cuts in music education programs at Michigan public schools are having a tremendous impact on both basic musical education and youth ensembles. Detroit Public Schools have lost nearly 50% of their music programs over the past decade. These cuts have resulted in a drop in not only student enrollment in regional orchestra programs but also the number of students from the Detroit School of Arts (98% African American) and the surrounding community who participate in the DSO's Civic Academy music education program.
Commitment to Innovation and Diversity at DSO
In addition to offering comprehensive music education programs, which is unique for an American orchestra, the DSO has recently embarked on a daring plan to diversify its programming and audiences by presenting renowned classical standards by its world-class orchestra, jazz, pops and world music performers. The DSO serves a community rich in racial diversity, and its programs are heavily attended by children from minority groups, who are underrepresented (1.88% African American) in the field of classical music. The program will provide the opportunity for children to be introduced to the beauty and discipline of this art form.
Honda Partnership
With school districts such as the Detroit Public Schools drastically reducing or eliminating their music programs for financial reasons, students are denied the opportunity to learn to play instruments, read music and participate in bands or orchestras. Honda has developed a unique two-part partnership plan to promote and support music education programs with the DSO. Over a five-year period, Honda will contribute more than $1 million to fund the following initiatives:
- DSO Concert sponsorship: On an annual basis, Honda will sponsor a DSO concert.
- "The Power of Dreams Music Education Fund": Honda will establish this new fund to support existing musical education programs at DSO and to expand these programs to include basic musical training for children. Further, it will include a private lesson component to provide aspiring students in the Civic Academy and children from the Detroit School of Arts with the opportunity to fully develop their musical capabilities.
- Classical Gala Roots Celebration: In a further effort to promote diversity in classical music, starting in 2008, Honda will also serve as an underwriting sponsor of the annual Classical Gala Roots Celebration, which seeks to increase awareness and support of African American performers and musical development.
Visit the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Web site.
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