Endorsements
Evidence of Merit
- The Aspen Institute named Music National Service "1 of 10 nonprofit innovations that will strengthen U.S communities";
- Congressional supporters Rep. Joe Crowley, Chairman Rep. George Miller, and Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Judd Gregg amend National Service legislation to include Musician and Artist Corps;
- Governor Mike Huckabee, The Center for American Progress and arts, education and community leaders nationwide have publically endorsed Music National Service;
- The Hewlett Foundation seeded MNS with a $500k grant. Other contributions include those from the Ruth U. Fertel Foundation, Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, Catherine Chao Foundation and individual donors.
Praise from the Field
“People with the talent and skills are ready. The need is real. The connection can be made—through MusicianCorps.” – David O'Fallon, CEO MacPhail Ctr for Music, Frmr Director Arts Ed., NEA
“We need more instructors to enhance the current offerings in our schools. MNSi will help bring immediate support to programs where they are most needed, and will bring long-term growth to the ranks of professional music educators. The final beneficiaries of this support and growth will be our children." – Mike Blakeslee, Senior Deputy Executive Director, MENC
“MusicianCorps can amplify the work of community schools across the nation. I expect the program will be enthusiastically welcomed by our 400 member organizations, many of whom will be eager to put MusicianCorps Fellows to work.” – Jonathan Herman, Executive Director, National Guild for Community Arts Education
“MusicianCorps is a brilliant effort to harness the creative energy of America’s young musicians by giving them the opportunity to share their talents with communities in need.” – Max Klau, Director Leadership Development, City Year, Inc.
Love Letters
I found out about MNS from Change.org, and I'm very excited about this! I am currently serving my second year as an AmeriCorps volunteer with City Year Chicago, and I am a graduate of Berklee College of Music (I play piano). Music and National Service are my two biggest passions, so I am very interested in finding out how I can participate with this program. Please let me know!
David W.
As of August 2008, I will be in the Philippines as a Peace Corps Education Volunteer. I hope to use music as I teach English for the next two years. I minored in Music at Indiana University and sing opera, perform musical theatre, and play piano. Let me know what I can do!
Caitlyn T.
I am so excited to hear about this project! I'm an AmeriCorps alum and currently the director of an RSVP (Senior Corps) in western Massachusetts. I'm also a violinist and spent time in Mexico teaching violin. I'm interested in a number of things: thinking about getting seniors involved, working on bringing this project to rural areas, and helping with going international, particularly to Mexico. I also would be thrilled to work on bringing music national service to Holyoke, MA, where I live.
Megan B.
