Music & Arts Donates Funds for Marching Band Travel to Presidential Inauguration Parade

FREDERICK, MD--(Marketwire - Jan 17, 2013) - On Monday, Jan. 21, the Londonderry High School Marching Band, one of the largest bands in New England, will shape history by marching in the 2013 presidential inauguration parade. To ensure as many students are able to experience this honor as possible, Music & Arts, the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer and lesson provider in the country, donated funds to support students' travel from New Hampshire.

"This is a huge honor for us," said Danielle Souza, junior at Londonderry High School and marching band drum major. "In being accepted into this parade, we are representing all the schools in our state and country that have music departments and understand the importance of music education."

"We are looking forward to the parade performance and want to thank everyone that has helped us get to where we are," said Joe Conti, junior at Londonderry High School and marching band drum major. "With the commitment and support of the state, our community and our organized directors, we have created one of the largest bands in the state and developed an extensive music program that we can all be proud of."

"Music & Arts believes music education aids in overall childhood wellbeing and development, and for this reason, we constantly strive to increase the availability of music education for students across the nation," said Matt Griffith, New Hampshire regional director at Music & Arts. "In keeping with this principle, Music & Arts has served students, teachers and families through retail stores and school representatives since 1952, and we are proud to support unforgettable musical opportunities for growing musicians like those at Londonderry High."

"Music & Arts has been a consistent donor to our music program over the years and we attribute a large part of our success to this sort of generous community support," said Andy Soucy, music director for the Londonderry High School Marching Band. "In addition to this recent donation, just over a year ago, Music & Arts refreshed our entire drumline with new Yamaha instruments and provided funds for our travel to the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade. We are so appreciative to Music & Arts for enabling us to provide these talented students and music education ambassadors with such wonderful opportunities."

With more than 300 students comprising the band and color guard, the Londonderry High School Marching Band has performed at various prominent events, including President Obama's first inauguration, the Rose Bowl and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

About Music & Arts
Music & Arts has served students, teachers and families through retail stores and school representatives since 1952. Based in Frederick, Md., the company specializes in sales and rentals of music instruments, instrument repairs and music lessons -- especially for the beginning and student musician. Music & Arts now has more than 110 retail locations across 22 states.

**Hi-res photos available**