21st Century Fox Honors American Idol Legacy with Give a Note Grants to Support Music Education, Calls for Nominations of Music Teacher "Idols"
21st Century Fox Social Impact
From Kelly Clarkson's first audition to Trent Harmon's big win this spring, we can all point to an American Idol moment that made us dream a little bigger. For fifteen years, thousands of people took that risk, following their passion for music to the Idol stage -- and a determined few changed their lives forever. Ask many of the Idols who gave them the confidence to reach for the top, and they'll say it was their school music teacher.
To celebrate those music education "idols" in schools nationwide, 21CF is teaming up with Give a Note Foundation for a new wave of 21st Century Fox Give a Note Grants, a program benefiting exceptional music teachers and their schools. Starting today, students, co-workers, parents and friends can nominate "MusicEd Idols," music teachers who inspire their students to dig deeper and reach their fullest potential.
On October 21, 20 music educators will be selected as winners and presented with cash grants for their school music programs. Five lucky teachers also will be selected to attend the 2016 National Association for Music Education In-Service Conference, to take part in a panel discussion on how to help students thrive.
"I am so excited to learn about all the stories of inspiring music educators around the nation, stories about teachers who made a lasting impact on the lives of students through the power of music," said Beth Slusher, Give a Note President and Board Chair. "We know music makes a valuable lasting impression in every student's life, empowering them to be productive, engaged, and empathetic citizens in their communities. We are thrilled to continue this partnership with 21st Century Fox to shine a spotlight on what's working well and benefiting students in U.S. schools."
This isn't the first time 21CF has partnered with Give a Note to support music in our schools. 21CF businesses have given more than $1 million to nearly 90 schools since the two organizations first came together for the Glee Give a Note campaign in 2011, donating portions of Glee DVD sales to at-risk music programs. In March 2015, they launched the 21st Century Fox Give a Note Grants to commemorate the Glee series finale. The American Idol campaign will continue to provide opportunities for young people to express and explore their creativity.
"We hope that highlighting the stories of students - and the exceptional music teachers who motivated them - will illustrate the vital importance of music education in schools today," said Shira Oberlander, Executive Director of Social Impact for 21st Century Fox. "21st Century Fox is proud to partner with Give a Note Foundation to bring those stories to light, and award grants to the schools of 20 remarkable teachers."
Nominate a "Music Education Idol" in your community, and share your stories on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using the hashtag #MusicEdIdol.
