Who doesn’t get inspired by music? We all do! For kids, who discover music and learn how to play it, the benefits are profound and lasting.
Music helps bring out creativity, confidence, discipline, strong cognitive and emotional skills, the ability to work with others and to better understand oneself. That is true starting with elementary aged children and continuing through various stages of life. In fact, teenagers who have been exposed to music and art education score higher SAT scores than those who lack that creative influence and instruction in school.
Take Note Colorado is an exciting statewide initiative to boost music education in all Colorado schools.. rural and urban, plains and mountains.. and for all kids, K-12.
This is a dream of Governor John Hickenlooper. He shared his vision with other community leaders including Denver musician and philanthropist Libby Anschutz and Pat Stryker, founder of The Bohemian Foundation, as well as local musicians. The enthusiasm is contagious and spreading.
Isaac Slade of The Fray signed on as the Chair of the Steering Committee for Take Note Colorado. First up, a benefit concert to make a statement, be heard and gain momentum for the initiative.
On May 4, Isaac took to the stage at the 1st Bank Center, telling a packed house how music impacted him as a child. The same kind of message was shared by members of fellow Colorado bands One Republic and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats. Other Colorado greats in the lineup: Bill Nershi of The String Cheese Incident, Todd Park Mohr of Big Head Todd & the Monsters and comedian Josh Blue.
I spent a morning with Isaac at Fairview High School in Boulder. He spoke to the choir students and performed for them. They, in turn, sang for him and then inundated him wth smart questions.
Fairview HS makes music a priority but that is not the case in so man other schools in Colorado. Take Note Colorado is out to change that over the next ten years with a boost of funding and a curriculum that will engage and inspire students.
This story aired at the Take Note Colorado concert just before Isaac took the stage for his set. The audience was engaged and understood the passion behind this mission.
Here is a shorter version of the longer story that aired at the Take Note Concert.
This was a special project for me because I get it. I was a very musical kid. I was on sports teams but never a starter, always winning the ‘good sportsmanship’ awards. However, when it came to music, I shined. I loved to sing and play my guitar before audiences and sing solos at Mass. I know what it feels like to have something within you that makes you feel strong and secure and happy. I wish that for every kid in Colorado!
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