Jupiter Band Instruments, VH-1 Save the Music and The Lego Children’s Fund Band Together to Enrich Music Education in New Haven, CT

Mt. Juliet, TN – May 2014 – Andrew Dost of the Grammy Award-Winning band fun, and Jupiter artist spoke about the impact of music in his life and the importance of music education in schools at an event held at Fair Haven School in New Haven, CT.

The event was hosted by VH1 Save the Music in celebration of reaching their goal of providing $430k worth of musical instruments for 15 grantee schools. “I don’t know where I would be today if I had not been in high school band. It completely changed my life and I am thrilled to be able to share my stories with others about why music education is so important, “stated Andrew.

As a generous partner of the Foundation, Jupiter Band Instruments brought in Andrew to speak at the event and join in the festivities. Students from all 15 grantee schools performed onstage together as the “VH1 Save the Music Celebration Band”. The culmination of the event featured a performance of Fun’s hit song “Some Nights” for Andrew.

“The gift of music enriches learning and empowers young people to find creative and innovative ways to engage with the world around them”, stated Garth Harries, Superintendent of Schools. “We need the next generation of leaders to have a strong love of music and the arts. The VH1 Save the Music Foundation has transformed lives in New Haven by giving hundreds of children the gift of music. We are so grateful for our longtime partnership with VH1 Save the Music and for the generous support of the LEGO Children’s Fund and Jupiter Band Instruments.”

“New Haven Public Schools is an exciting success story” said Paul Cothran, Vice President & Executive Director of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. “Through a successful partnership with the district, we have met our goal together of ensuring that every child in New Haven has equity in access to music education. With a generous commitment of the LEGO Children’s Fund, instrumental music has been returned to the final 2 remaining schools with need. We are so thrilled to announce that students in all 15 grantee schools have access to a comprehensive education that includes music with $430,000 worth of new musical instruments donated by the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. This success was only possible because of the District’s leadership, the generous support of donors like the LEGO Children’s Fund, dedicated teachers, and the commitment of Jupiter Band Instruments to music education.

For more information on Jupiter Instruments visit: http://www.jupitermusic.com/jbi_index.aspx

For more information on VH-1 Save the Music Foundation visit: http://www.vh1savethemusic.org/

For more information on the Lego Children’s Fund visit: http://www.legochildrensfund.org/