INFM Supports Local High School Marching Bands
A mission area for If Not for Music is the Gift of Performance. We achieve this by underwriting the costs of unique performances to enhance the performance skills of the musicians while offering community audiences the opportunity to enjoy their music. At this time of year in particular, high school marching bands bring young musicians together with diverse community audiences performing at football games and during band concerts and competitions throughout the region. But it costs money for these performances and not all individuals or even school districts have the resources to fully take advantage of these opportunities. That’s where If Not for Music comes in.
In October, we provided funding to the marching bands of both Unionville High School in Unionville, PA and Henderson High School in West Chester, PA to offset their operational costs associated with their marching bands. And the impact is profound. Unionville High School senior Gannon noted, “Music in general and marching band in particular is how I transformed into a leader and performer driven by a strong passion and surrounded by friends and mentors.”
INFM asked Zen, a junior in the marching band of Henderson High School, how they felt about music: “Music is responsible for changing my life. Marching band, jazz band, concert band, being around people who love music as much as I do makes me feel like I'm part of a group and I couldn't ask for a better feeling.”
According to the Arts Education Partnership, students participating in music education programs are better prepared to learn; enjoy improved achievement in language arts and math, retention of verbal information and improved SAT scores; and develop increased creative capacities like attentiveness, perseverance, better study habits and enhanced self-esteem.
That’s why If Not for Music is thrilled to help support school-based music education programs. Every penny helps these students realize their musical journey. No donation is too small to make a difference in the lives of aspiring musicians.