Join our Facebook page and share it with your friends!Frequently Asked Questions on Save the Music Campaign and News links
Q: What programs are affected for the elementary music program?
A: The Elementary Band (5th grade) and the strings program (5th grade) are the programs that have had their funding cut. This is slightly over 1 Full Time Equivalent for the Band and .for the Strings. One full-time equivalent teacher is about $80,000 hence, $90,000 is needed to fund this program each school year.
Q: If I designate my donation for save the music will it go there?
A: Yes if you designate your donation to save the music, PSEE will provide a directed donation to the district for the elementary music programs (band and strings).
Q: If we don't raise the full amount for music what happens?
A: PSEE will work with the PSEE Advisory Board, Music teachers and district to provide the best program for kids possible. There are partial funding strategies that can preserve portions of the program.
Q: What if we raise too much?
A: The funding for this program is also uncertain for the foreseeable future. If we raise more than needed for the next school year we can apply it to future years to save this program indefinitely.
Q: Is my donation Tax deductible?
A: YES! PSEE is a non-profit, public benefit corporation organized under the 501(c)3 tax code. Your donation should be fully deductible and we will provide a donation receipt to the address you supply.
Q: What is the PSEE 10-11 Funding?
A: Each year PSEE provides the interest and realized gain to the district for directed programs. The PSEE Advisory Board meets to suggest and prioritize programs. The Advisory board is composed of representatives from every school in the district. Historically, PSEE has funded the strings program at all levels, the Accompanists for the High School Choirs, support for the AP Classes, Village Photography Class, Village Choir, support for Elementary Science programs, supplies for the Visual And Performing Arts (VAPA) Specialists at each elementary and more. See the 08-09 funding list. For the Fall 09-10 school year, the PSEE Advisory board voted to dedicate up to the full funding amount to support the Elementary Band/Strings Program as all the schools felt that it was more important to preserve this program than have their normal funding.
Q: Why is Music Important?
A: Here are some quick facts about the impact of music from VH1 Save the Music:
- 2006 Harris Poll-Music Programs contribute to higher attendance and graduation rates
- Graduation Rates-Schools with music programs - 90.2% Schools without music programs-72.9%
- 2006 Gallup Poll-More than 94% of Americans believe that music is a key component to a child's well-rounded education
- Christopher Johnson Study JRME 2006- Study shows strong correlation between music study and standardized test scores. Students involved in excellent music programs scored 20% higher in Math and English
- 2008 Patricia Campbell Study- Study reveals teens' strong commitment to music and music making. Teens feel that playing music teaches self discipline such as "there are payoffs when you practice and stick with something"
- 2008 Imagine Nation Poll Findings-91% of voters believe that the arts should be considered part of the basics in the classroom for imaginative learning 88% agree that an education in and through the arts is essential for students to set high standards for themselves, have ambition and aspirations for success, and develop the skills to fulfill their dreams
- Music is a core subject under no child left behind
- Music is considered a core subject in the California State Standards
News Links-Learn more about the effort!
Newscast by Jessica Aguirre on NBC 11 taped at Valley View on 6/12/09
Pleasanton foundation hopes to save the music - By Robert Jordan, Staff Writer
Group aims to raise $120,000 in donations for elementary strings, band programs
The Independent Newspaper June 11, 2009 covers the overall fundraising drive (link broken)