Kids Rock Free is an American non-profit organization whose aim is to help children aged 7 to 17 receive a music education. The organization was founded by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in 1998, and is housed in the Fender Museum of Music & Art in Corona, California.[1] Lessons are free or at low cost[2] in an area where music education in the public schools was a rarity.[1][3] Initially aimed at giving guitar and piano lessons and focused on rock and roll, it soon began a technical program for producing music, and then programs for theater, dance, and world music.[1] In 2000, it was teaching 400 students a week,[4] and more than 12,000 students have gone through the program since 1998.[5]
Longtime supporters of the organization include Steve Miller.[5][6] To raise money for the organization, the Fender Center for the Performing Arts regularly stages concerts[7] and Fender sponsors golf tournaments;[8][9] in 2004, the organization received $100,000 from the federal government.[10][11][12]
References
edit- ^ a b c Miller, Michael (15 August 2002). "Family; If You Study Hard, You Just Might Rock". Los Angeles Times. p. F.40. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
- ^ Coronado, Michael (28 December 2001). "Fender kids learn hot licks at Hot Rod's racing and retro shop". The San Diego Union-Tribune.
- ^ Carterstaff, Sara A. (15 February 2004). "Kids learn how to rock out". Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
- ^ Bacon, Tony; Paul Day (2000). 50 years of Fender. Hal Leonard. p. 116. ISBN 978-0-87930-621-2. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
- ^ a b Meeker, Ward (September 2010). "Go On, Give the Money and Jam!". Vintage Guitar: 33.
- ^ Donelan, Charles (13 July 2010). "Steve Miller at the Santa Barbara Bowl; Los Lobos Make for Two Legendary Rock Bands on One Bill". The Santa Barbara Independent. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
- ^ Schwartz, Mike (30 June 2004). "Bo knows his role in rock 'n' roll; CORONA: The rock 'n' roll legend joins Etta James in a benefit concert at the Fender Cente". The Press Enterprise. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
- ^ "Fender Center Seeks Golf Tournament Donations". Retrieved 17 July 2010.
- ^ "Fender Center Seeks Golf Tournament Donations". Mix. 20 October 2005. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
- ^ "Patriot Act likely on back burner". Gainesville Sun. 25 January 2004. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
- ^ "Pork servings keep coming". The Fort Morgan Times. 5 January 2004.
- ^ Senate Document no. 11. Government Printing Office. 2005. p. 601.