CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - February 10, 2011) - On February 25, 2011, the People's Music School will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a gala fundraiser at the Chicago Cultural Center aimed at raising funds to continue its mission of providing free music education to inner-city Chicago children. The event will feature dinner, cocktails and a silent auction, along with performances by Chicago violinist Rachel Barton Pine, along with students of the School.
"This is an incredible day for our school, the city of Chicago, and the thousands of children who have been given a free music education," said Rita Simo, founder of the People's Music School, who started the school in 1976 with $625 and a donated piano. "Our goal is to use music to change lives and create tomorrow's leaders."
With more and more public schools cutting music programs, People's Music School is the only opportunity for many of Chicago's underserved children to learn about music. As long as children are able to meet the School's requirements, including regular class attendance and volunteer hours, they are eligible for enrollment, which is first come, first serve.
"With this event, we're celebrating our incredible past while composing our future," added the School's executive director, Bob Fiedler. "We have come such a long way, but the number of students we reach is completely dependent on donations, which is why we're working so hard to raise more funds."
The gala will be held at the Chicago Cultural Center on February 25th from 6-11pm. Tickets can be purchased here. For inquiries, please contact Bob Fiedler at bob@peoplesmusicschool.org or call (773) 784-7032.
About The People's Music School
The People's Music School was founded in 1976 by Dr. Rita Simo with only $625, a donated piano and a dream to make the world a better place. For the last 35 years, the School has educated approximately 10,000 students -- most of them from lower-income families. Students are taught music at no charge and also learn teamwork and responsibility, which leads to greater self-esteem and personal happiness. Today, the School's highly qualified teachers offer instruction in many different instruments, voice and theory, to nearly 1,000 different students each year. For more information on the People's Music School, please go to www.peoplesmusicschool.org.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Kristin Schmotzer
Ruder Finn for the People's Music School
312-329-3908