Newark public schools like Harriet Tubman Elementary School receive new instruments that were collected and refurbished during WQXR’s instrument drive
The donation is the result of the station’s 2016 instrument drive which collected gently used musical instruments from area residents to support music programs throughout New York City and Newark public schools, as well as community music programs. This was the station’s second instrument drive, and the first time Newark schools were included as recipients.
“Music education is such an important and often overlooked part of a student’s educational development,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools (NPS). “WQXR’s generous donation will give the gift of music to more of our students and also help a new generation of young people develop an appreciation for the arts.”
“WQXR is thrilled to bring together music lovers with music schools through the WQXR Instrument Drive,” said Laura Walker, President and CEO, New York Public Radio, which includes WQXR. “The drive was so successful because residents near and far believe – as we do — in the value of music education, and wanted to pass along instruments that had meant so much in their own lives to the next generation. We are particularly proud to be able to extend the donations beyond New York City this year to Newark, and to help make music education available to more students.”
WQXR officials visited Harriet Tubman Elementary School and presented students with violins for their music education program. Harriet Tubman submitted an application requesting violins for their students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade instrumental music program, where all students learn to play the violin. This gift will expand the number of students who have access to the violin and allow students to bring instruments home with them to practice.
“The Harriet Tubman Elementary School community is grateful to WQXR for donating instruments to our music program,” said Malcolm Outlaw, Principal of Harriet Tubman Elementary. “WQXR’s new instruments will give our music program new life, and I have no doubt that our students will put WQXR’s instruments to good use.”
“Music education is such an important part of a student’s curriculum,” said instrumental music Teacher Shariff Elhagin “Music helps students develop in almost every other area of their education including language and reasoning. Thanks to WQXR, more of our students will discover a love for music this year that will have a positive impact on their life.”
To date, the instrument drive has collected more than 5,000 instruments which have been distributed to more than 150 schools and community programs in the New York metro area and impacting more than 20,000 students. WQXR partnered with the New York City Department of Education and Newark Public Schools for the 2016 drive. The WQXR Instrument Drive is generously supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation. Additional support has been provided by Thomas S. and Patricia Y. Bain.
The WQXR Instrument Drive is supported, in part, by the InterContinental New York Barclay.
WQXR 105.9 FM, which streams live at www.wqxr.org, is New York City’s only all-classical music station, immersing listeners in the city’s rich musical life. WQXR presents new and landmark classical recordings as well as live concerts from Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, among other venues. WQXR also broadcasts essential destination programs including New York Philharmonic This Week and The McGraw-Hill Financial Young Artists Showcase. For listeners in search of the new, WQXR operates Q2 Music, an online music stream dedicated to contemporary classical composers, cross-genre adventures, and performances from New York City’s edgier venues. Operavore is WQXR’s opera site featuring news, interviews, and commentaries from the world of opera, as well as a 24/7 all-opera stream. WQXR.org provides essential playlist information and online listening, as well as original content, host blogs, NYC cultural news, and videos. The station’s free mobile app allows listeners to take WQXR with them wherever they go. As a public radio station, WQXR is supported by the generosity of its members and sponsors, making classical music relevant, accessible and inspiring for listeners in New York City and around the globe.
WQXR Drive Brings Instruments to Newark Students| …In a school system like Newark Public Schools, where kids face challenges that others can scarcely imagine, music and music education can sometimes be an afterthought. But when a classical radio station (WQXR) and some generous listeners send a supply of instruments — over 100 in fact — that is music to the ears…“Here’s a little secret; when schools devote time and energy and resources to the arts — music, performance, visual arts — it actually contributes to student achievement in the academic subjects,” said Newark Public Schools Superintendent Chris Cerf. At Harriet Tubman Middle School, Principal Malcolm Outlaw says music is part of regular student curriculum. He said students like first-time violinist Joshua Moreno — Yankee fan and running back on the Pop Warner team — have found a new mode of expression… In all, seven Newark schools will get instruments, tools to — as a philosopher once said — wash away from the soul the dust of everyday life. The sound of kids at play is its own special melody but when you put instruments in their hands, then you’ve created an opportunity for a remarkable symphony. (NJTV News, 9/23)