The 2013 Leadership Burbank Class announces its community project, 31 Violins, a program to expand instrumental music instruction to Burbank’s elementary schools. The project is a key component of the Leadership Burbank program, a community-based organization that offers leaders and emerging leaders the opportunity to enhance their personal and professional skills, gain a deeper understanding of community dynamics, and cultivate civic involvement.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance Burbank Unified School District’s elementary music instrumental program,” says Monica Newhouse, Leadership Burbank 2013 participant. “After learning about the decline in music instruction in our community, we felt inspired to help expand the programs for more children to have the opportunity to learn music.”
In 1992, Burbank Unified School District eliminated weekly elementary instrumental music programs, but in 2007 a general music program was developed for grades 2-5 that allowed students to attend classes twice a month. Today, five elementary schools offer general music education but only two – Providencia and Roosevelt – teach instrumental music instruction within the school day.
“Our vision in the creation of 31 Violins is to not only provide instruments, but to also increase instruction time, reduce music class sizes, free up district resources and eliminate the financial burden from the district and schools,” says Ms. Newhouse.
