While funding for music and arts programs are being cut across the country, notably in New York City, Little Kids Rock, a leading nonprofit provider of free musical instruments and free lessons in the United States, is teaming with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and rock stars to put music education back into public schools.
On Friday, March 26, Anthrax bassist Frank Bello will donate Fender electric basses and amps to 15 NYC public city schools to complement the Little Kids Rock guitar classes that are already thriving.
“We are so proud to have Mr. Bello as a champion of our cause,” said David Wish, Little Kids Rock founder and executive director. “With his help, and the continued support of our longtime partner Fender, we will be able to reach even more children in New York City.”
In addition to delivering a free Fender® electric bass and amp to the students of P.S. 11 Highbridge School, Mr. Bello will answer all of the kids’ questions and jam with them on some of their favorite songs.
Little Kids Rock launched in New York City in 2002 and has delivered nearly a million dollars-worth of free instruments, curriculum and resources that currently reach thousands of New York City public school children.
What: Anthrax Bassist Frank Bello and Fender® to donate free instruments to NYC public schools
When: Friday, March 26, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: P.S. 11 Highbridge School, 1257 Ogden Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452
About Little Kids Rock
Little Kids Rock is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that transforms children’s lives by restoring and revitalizing music education in underfunded public schools. Little Kids Rock was founded in San Francisco in 2002 by David Wish, an elementary school teacher who had grown frustrated with the lack of music education funding at his school. Today, Little Kids Rock is one of the leading nonprofit providers of free lessons and instruments to underserved children in US public schools, and has served more than 88,000 students at over 1,200 schools in 23 cities nationwide. Little Kids Rock Honorary Board Members include Bonnie Raitt, Slash, Paul Simon, B.B. King, Ziggy Marley and other famous friends in the music industry. More information can be found here.
About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, and its name has become synonymous with all things rock ‘n’ roll. Iconic Fender instruments such as the Telecaster, Stratocaster, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass® guitars are known worldwide as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized by today’s musicians and collectors. FMIC brands include Fender, Squier®, Guild®, Tacoma®, Gretsch ®, Jackson®, Charvel ®, EVH®, SWR® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.Fender.com.
About Frank Bello
Frank Bello is the powerhouse bassist for the groundbreaking NYC-based speed-thrash metal institution, Anthrax. Born and raised in the Bronx, Bello started playing when he was 12, learning bass parts on guitar; idolizing bass heroes such as Geddy Lee, Steve Harris and Geezer Butler; and frequently jamming with his uncle, Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante. Bello joined Anthrax in time for 1985’s Spreading the Disease, and fans loved his high-energy stage presence and deftly inventive bass style. Since that time, Anthrax quickly reached the upper echelons of metal stardom with a series of classic punk/speed metal albums fueled by Bello’s ferociously riffing bass work. On stage and off, Frank Bello is a veritable bass ambassador who doesn’t pull any musical punches. Bello continues to play with a ferocity and finesse that has won him acclaim far and wide.