Program that Provides Community Music Instruction Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Three hundred children and adults who take lessons in DePaul University's Community Music Division will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the program by performing in a 10-hour music recital marathon May 2 to raise money for the division's scholarship fund.

The "Performathon" will feature instrumental and vocal performances by a variety of Community Music Program solists, ensembles and choirs on two stages from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m at DePaul's School of Music, 804 W. Belden Ave. If weather permits, strolling musicians will entertain guests in the courtyard in front of the school. Lunch and bake sale items will be available at the event, and a raffle of donated merchandise also will be held.. The event is free and open to the public.

Individuals participating in the fund-raiser have gathered pledges of $1 or more per minute of performance from sponsors.

"The event provides the students with a wonderful opportunity to share their musical skills, builds a sense of community within the school, and will help raise more scholarship dollars for division students," said Susanne Baker, director of the Community Music Division. "I can't think of a better way to celebrate the program's 10th anniversary."

DePaul's Community Music Division enrolls 650 children and adults from the community in after-school, evening and weekend music lessons at the School of Music. Sixty professional musicians and instructors teach in the program.

The division offers a wide variety of musical opportunities, including private lessons, ensemble training, theory and performance, master classes and recitals. The training provides both serious musical study and a nurturing environment for a lifelong enjoyment of music.

Division students and faculty share their talents with the community by performing frequently at community events. Baker said DePaul's program serves the community by promoting an appreciation for music among children who may have little exposure to the arts in their schools because of program cutbacks.

DePaul's Community Music Division was awarded full membership in the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts in November because of its high quality of programs, professional faculty and commitment to scholarship assistance. Guild schools offer grass-roots music education to 300,000 students in 40 states. The guild's mission is to provide high-caliber music instruction at affordable rates to students, regardless of ethnic background, age, ability, or income.

For more information about the Performathon or the Community Music Division, call (773) 325-7260.