MILWAUKEE (June 16, 2015) - Summerfest Foundation, Inc. was proud to award ten area schools and non-profit organizations with music education grants during a formal check presentation outside of the South Gate of the Henry Maier Festival Park this morning.  A total of $25,000 was awarded to enhance opportunities for students who may have no exposure to instrumental music or those who may require advanced instruction which is currently unavailable to them. 

Representatives from the following grant recipients were in attendance:

Clement Avenue School – Milwaukee Public Schools, K-8
Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning – Milwaukee Public Schools, K-12
ALBA School, Bilingual Charter Elementary – Milwaukee     Public Schools
Richard Kluge School – Milwaukee Public Schools, K5 – 3
Pius XI High School – Performing Arts Outreach Program
Golda Meir – Milwaukee Public Schools, 6-12
Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO)
United Community Center Music Education Program
William Horlick High School, Racine
Nicolet Recreation Department/Nicolet High School District

“We are thrilled to help keep music education alive in our local schools and youth-serving organizations,” stated Don Smiley, President of Summerfest Foundation, Inc.  “These programs are essential to help youth develop both discipline and creativity and we are proud to support the 10 grant recipients who work hard to ensure that arts programming is available to children in our community.”

Summerfest Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, was formed in June 2011 to support the initiatives of Milwaukee World Festival Inc., which include charitable and educational purposes, and providing a showcase for the performing arts.  Each year, Summerfest Foundation, Inc. produces various events and programs designed to raise awareness and funding, as well as other benefits for its mission and other charitable partners.  Events have included, the Summerfest Rock ’n Sole Run and Big Gig Dress Rehearsal, which both select charitable partners to share in the proceeds for each event.  Other programs have included music education initiatives, such as Summerfest’s Big Band Camp, which provides a FREE day long, hands-on educational experience and music clinics, as well as the newly developed Music Education Grants program, which helps provide funds for music educators and music programs.