Don’t stop the music! Yessian Music (offices in Detroit, Los Angeles and New York) hopes to hit a financial high note when they host an April 15 fundraiser at its Farmington Hills studios in conjunction with Detroit’s creative advertising community to infuse desperately needed funds into the shrinking music programs in Detroit’s struggling public schools.
The event is music to the ears of Detroit Public Schools’ students, teachers and administrators alike who have seen the budget for their music departments reduced over the past three years from $300,000 to $88,000, severely impacting their ability to refurbish or purchase instruments.
“We have hundreds of instruments waiting for repairs and regular maintenance,” said Benjamin L. Pruitt, director of fine arts education for Detroit Public Schools, who will be in attendance. “In light of the tremendous financial difficulties our school district is facing, we are enormously grateful to Yessian Music for stepping up to help our deserving, exceptionally talented students.” Pruitt, who has been with the Detroit Public Schools for 44 years (33 as an educator and 11 as an administrator), said when he joined Detroit Public Schools in 1966, there were over 300,000 students and every school had a music program. Today, the district has shrunk to 90,000 students and only 35% of its schools have music curriculum.
“We are so appreciative that this nationally and internationally acclaimed music production company wants to help provide assistance to enrich the musical education of Detroit Public Schools,” said Chacona W. Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.
Dan Yessian, founder of Yessian Music, and sons Michael and Brian are determined to do their part to ensure the future of music education in Detroit.
“After being bombarded by budget deficit headlines and a barrage of distressing stories about cutbacks at the Detroit Public Schools, we decided to play our part in a solution,” said Michael, president of Yessian Music. “We rely on so many talented creative directors, producers, editors and musicians in this town; exposure to the arts is essential for each of these career paths. We want to pave the way so that these students can discover their unique creative outlets and cultivate their individual talents.”
“I have a special place in my heart for Detroit Public Schools,” said Dan. “I actually taught Speech and English at Redford High School in Detroit from 1967 to 1971 before establishing my company. I’ve seen students with virtuoso talent. The arts discipline offers so many benefits to kids. It strengthens their thought process, encourages collaboration, provides a positive outlet and is a tremendous self esteem builder.”
Research supports this. March is Music In Our Schools Month and according to The National Association for Music Education (MENC), music education is linked to higher graduation rates, greater success in school and increased problem-solving skills. In addition, music study keeps students engaged and less likely to become involved with drugs and alcohol. (Dozens of scientific studies and statistics on the benefits of music education are documented at www.supportmusic.com).
The private fundraiser kicks off at 6 p.m. and will feature a special performance by Renaissance High School’s saxophone quintet. The students (Megan Britt and Malcolm Elliott on alto sax, Takiyah Golston and Alexis Wiffen on tenor sax, and Kenneth Sturdivant on baritone sax), under the direction of Willie McAllister, Jr., the school’s band and orchestra director, are preparing for a European music competition at the end of April. Yessian Music is making a $2,000 donation and hopes to inspire metro Detroit’s creative community as well as other local businesses to support this worthwhile cause. All donations should be made out to The Detroit Public Schools Foundation, which will earmark 100% of the funds received for the repair, maintenance or new purchase of musical instruments.
“This benefit gives Detroit’s creative community a chance to come together and really help Detroit Public Schools students to be creative through music programs. I give Yessian props for pulling this one off for those kids.” Jeff Cruz, Creative Director, Leo Burnett, Detroit
“This is something we all need to get behind. Yessian is not only giving back to the community at large, they’re helping to build a creative community for the future.” Mark Simon, Chief Creative Officer, Campbell Ewald
“Giving back to our community is always important, especially right now. I am thankful for Yessian’s initiative and proud to be a part of it. Helping our kids have access to music in the schools is an effort everyone should support.” Toby Barlow, Chief Creative Officer, Team Detroit
“Around the world, Detroit is celebrated for its wonderful music. Let’s discover and nurture more of it by keeping music in Detroit schools alive and supporting this wonderful event by the Yessian family.” Gail Offen, Senior VP/Creative Director, Doner
Yessian Music is a global music company with offices in Detroit, New York City, and Los Angeles. Established in 1971, Yessian Music is a full-service music/sound design/mix/post house with on staff writers, sound designers, producers, mixers, engineers and support staff. They have also taken their original music and sound design approach and combined it with Dragon Licks, a music licensing and research division. Yessian has six full-service recording studios within its various locations as well as access to some of the world’s finest recording facilities.
