The Arena at Gwinnett Center box office will be the base for GCPS’ music instrument drive from now through June 4. The instrument drop off location is open Monday—Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Manilow kicked off the drive by donating a new Yamaha keyboard. “I know firsthand how invaluable music education is,” said Manilow. “It is a privilege for me to help bring the gift of music to these kids.”
GCPS CEO/Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks expressed his excitement regarding the impact the drive will have on students, saying, “Music plays an important role in the lives of more than 112,000 Gwinnett students who participate in various music programs in grades K-12. In addition to developing a lifelong appreciation, music study helps prepare young minds to think creatively, learn how to work collaboratively, and to become disciplined, critical thinkers and problem solvers – skills needed in the 21st century. The instruments provided through Barry Manilow’s generosity and philanthropic spirit will help foster a love of learning and a love of music… a successful combination that is sure to benefit students today and in the future.”
The Manilow Music Project (MMP) is part of The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope. Its primary focus is to provide musical instruments to high schools and middle schools and to provide music scholarships at universities throughout the US, Canada, and the UK. More information on the Manilow Music Project can be found at www.manilowmusicproject.org.