Three Rochester, New York, music-education programs will receive a combined $45,000 through the city's ArtsBloom grant program, WXXI News reported. The awards are part of $150,000 distributed among 12 arts initiatives.
Local Sound Collaborative received $15,000 and Sound Foundations received $10,000 to provide instruction and instruments in Rochester district and charter schools. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra received $20,000 for its Orchestral Program for Urban Students, which connects students with classes, mentors, rehearsals and visiting musicians.
WXXI also reported that Rochester has fewer school music teachers than it did a decade ago, although enrollment has declined during that period. Program leaders described gaps in students' access to instruments, private lessons and take-home practice equipment. Sound Foundations has raised about $200,000 in addition to the city award and has worked with the Rochester Education Foundation on an instrument drive.
The Rochester City Council was scheduled to vote on the orchestra's award because of the organization's other city contracts.
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