By Joyce Rudolph
The 2013 Leadership Burbank Class is planning a comedy night to raise funds for its community project, “31 Violins”, a program to expand instrumental music instruction to Burbank’s elementary schools.
The Burbank Unified School District eliminated weekly elementary instrumental music programs in 1992, 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.
“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,” said Monica Newhouse, Leadership Burbank 2013 participant. “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.
The event, “Laughs for Leadership Burbank”, will be on March 28 at Flappers Comedy Club and Restaurant, 102 E. Magnolia Blvd. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show begins at 7 p.m. The host is KNBC weatherman and stand-up comedian Fritz Coleman. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling (818) 845-9721 or visit www.flapperscomedy.com.
There will be a live auction and opportunity drawings along with a line-up of professional comedians.
Leadership Burbank is a nonprofit 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 involvemen
