Violin Programs Begin!

On July 6th 1999, the first violin classes began at the Fender Museum of Music and the Arts Preview and Education Center in Corona. Twenty-four children, ranging in ages from 6 to 15, were provided this free educational opportunity through a grant awarded to the Center by the Community Foundation of Riverside County. These twenty-four students will receive four eight-week courses taught by the extremely talented violin and cello teacher Yang Steinke. As with all classes taught at the Center, the instruments necessary for the children to learn are also provided at no charge. Over $20,000.00 worth of violins, violas and cellos were donated by Fender Musical IInstruments Chairman and CEO, Bill Schultz, owner of Westheimer Corporation, Jack Westheimer and Entertainment Music Marketing. Although viola and cello are not currently being taught, Ms. Steinke is keeping a close eye and ear out for potential interest in her current classes. These string classes are the first step in creating a youth orchestra in the not-to-distant future. These violin classes join piano, guitar, bass and drum classes that have already been underway for the past year. With our combo program having just begun this July, interesting combo groups should be forming soon. For instance, a Mariachi program is currently in the planning stages. Children who are already in the guitar classes may wish to join children in the violin classes and combine their efforts in the Mariachi class. Other students may wish to join talents and form a country band, complete with "country fiddle". The combinations and opportunities are endless. What a wonderful opportunity to experience cultural diversity!

Fender Museum Receives a $25,000 contribtion from Edison International

The Fender Museum has received a $25,000 contribution from Edison International in support of the Museum¹s outreach efforts to provide music education to local children. Edison has been a consistent contributor to the foundation since it launched its music education program in 1998. With the latest grant of $17,500, Edison's support to Fender reaches $25,000, including cash and in-kind donations. A large part of that support has come from SCE's public affairs manager in the Inland Empire, Fred Francia. Even before the lights were on at the Fender Museum, Fred was contributing his own time and energy. Fred and his granddaughter were outside on their hands and knees pulling weeds amongst a handful of other volunteers. "W'e're proud to help the foundation fulfill its mission of reaching diverse audiences for music education," said Fred. "With this grant, Edison International is proud to mark more than $240,000 in donations to the Inland Empire as part of our Arts for the Community campaign", Francia said. "We have awarded these grants to provide accessibility to the arts to our diverse community." Edison Internationals Arts for the Community program was developed in fall 1997 as part of its commitment to keep Southern California a desirable place to live and do business. Thanks, Edison, for helping

Tooting Le Blanc's Horn

Le Blanc president, Mr. Vito Pascucci, recently donated $26,000 worth of brass and woodwind instruments to the Fender Museum's Kids Rock Free program. The twenty-one instruments included trumpets, coronets, saxophones, flutes and French horns. This is the first step in adding band instrument instruction to the museum's offerings. Within the next year the goal is to combine the band instrument program with the string program and start the Fender Museum's Kids Rock Free Orchestra. Industry leaders like Mr. Pascucci show the world where their heart is...with the kids! Many thanks to the Le Blanc Corporation!