The Music Connects program was established in 2014 with the goal of supporting students with financial disadvantages who would like to participate in band or orchestra. The Linn-Mar School Foundation, along with Linn-Mar School band and orchestra directors, understand the importance of music for students. According to the Arts Education Partnership the benefits of music education are as follows:
- Music education prepares students to learn by enhancing fine motor skills, increasing working memory and improving thinking skills.
- Music education facilitates student academic achievement by improving recall and retention of verbal information, accelerating math achievement, and boosting reading and English language arts skills.
- Music education develops the creative capacities for lifelong success by sharpening attentiveness, strengthening perseverance, enhancing creativity, and supporting better study habits and self-esteem.
Therefore, the Linn-Mar School Foundation is passionate about allowing all students access to music education without financial barriers. Qualifying students are given access to their chosen instrument through Music Connects for their duration in band or orchestra, while at Linn-Mar.
Additionally, Music Connects will pay for summer lessons for qualifying students, if they choose to partake in them. Lastly, the Music Connects program will fund repairs and purchase new instruments as needed within the schools.
The Music Connects program allows our students to participate in one of the highest achieving music schools in the state of Iowa. The Linn-Mar District boasts national and state awarded music programs and we want all interested students to participate.
The Music Connects program receives donations from the Marion and Linn-Mar Community. The program will also accept donations of new and used instruments.
Music Connects instruments include:
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Alto Saxophone
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Bass
If a qualifying student would like to play an instrument not listed above, they are able to do so. The Foundation office will then work with the band or orchestra director to assist with needed repairs and payment of the district assigned rental fees.
The Foundation is seeking donations to help fund the Music Connects program. This program budget is $7,500 per year and we need your help to keep the program going for many years to come. Please consider donating to the Music Connects program and allow all students to participate in fine arts.