“American Idol” Finalists Surprise Local Music Education Organizations in Hometowns with Funding on Behalf of the CMA Foundation and ABC
Watch the Surprise Donations on “American Idol” HERE
The CMA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Country Music Association, together with ABC, are donating a total of $60,000 to music education programs. During last night’s finale of “American Idol,” the top three finalists visited their hometowns, with a portion of each visit including a surprise reveal of funding to three highly deserving music education programs, each receiving $20,000.
In Dallas, TX, Jack Blocker surprised Texas Music Project, which helps to raise funds and awareness for music education programs in Texas schools and the community at large. Abi Carter visited Indio, CA and surprised Tools for Tomorrow with the donation, which offers free, after school and online arts literacy programs integrating creative writing, art, music and theater for children ages 8 to 11. And in Hazlehurst, GA, Will Moseley returned to his former high school, surprising their “Pride of the Pinewoods” Band with funding.
“It truly warms my heart to know how passionate each of this year’s finalists are about the power of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Abi, Jack and Will each have a personal connection to music education, and we are beyond grateful for each of them shining a light on the importance of music in children’s lives. We work every single day to ensure that our young people have access to participate in music education, and to do that, it takes partners across the country to prioritize what we consider an essential subject for students.”
Later this week, the CMA Foundation will launch a groundbreaking case study that looks at the state of arts and music education in Tennessee school districts. The case study is part of several programs and initiatives undertaken by the CMA Foundation since 2011 to help ensure music educators have the support and resources needed to create a thriving program within their school and community. Other support includes the recently announced Music Teachers of Excellence grant awards, as well as professional development for educators, virtual field trips and other digital topic series for students, grants for local and statewide music education organizations, and more.
About the CMA Foundation
Established in 2011 as the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association (CMA), the CMA Foundation is committed to improving and sustaining high-quality music education programs across the United States, working to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music. Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), invests various resources across the national public school system, after school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations.
For more information about the CMA Foundation, visit CMAfoundation.org.
