ORLANDO -- The MusicHelpsHeal.org initiative was kicked off recently by the School District of Osceola County and Live Music Tutor Inc. and has continued to pick up great steam. The program, which was started to help the students displaced from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands due to hurricane Maria, is using music to address the emotional and social needs caused by the storm. Many local businesses and organizations have donated instruments, and some have provided cash and grant opportunities. With over 2,600 students displaced and 25-50 additional arriving daily this number will continue to climb!

“The donation of 2 baby grand pianos and an upright piano from Disney has been a tremendous asset to our choral programs at 3 of our schools,” said Debbie Fahmie, a performing arts leader of the School District of Osceola County. Funding from Universal Orlando Foundation has enabled us to purchase instruments to accommodate our new arrivals from the islands. Through their generosity $20,000.00 worth of new instruments will arrive shortly. Mr. Holland’s Opus came to the rescue for students who were impacted by Hurricane Irma or Hurricane Maria. As part of the recovery efforts following the destruction of the hurricanes, the foundation administered a disaster relief program, Music Rising, through which they are able to replace musical instruments that were damaged or destroyed as a direct result of the storms. The Orlando Concert Band has a program titled ‘Your Own Instrument’ in which they assist music students who need instruments to participate in their band or orchestra programs. They have donated eight instruments to us. In addition to these organizations, several private individuals who understand and value music education have stepped up to make a used instrument or financial donation. We are so grateful for a community who understands the importance of music in the development of our students.” 

The MusicHelpsHeal.org initiative is working hard to make this initiative a success with the local community, including its recent participation with U.S. Rep Darren Soto individually and also Joint Task Force on arrivals from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the support of Mayor Jose Alverez, Superintendent Debra Pace, Education Foundation of Osceola County, the Orlando Sentinel, the Osceola Star, El Nuevo Dia, and many other government officials, school appointees, and local community leaders.

“The demand is so great, that the existing inventory of school-owned instruments has quickly depleted. During this time of transition, inclusion in a school or after-school music program can offer these disadvantaged students so many therapeutic benefits. Until the children feel safe and accepted, it is hard for them to learn academically!” Fahmie said. 

For more information about this project, visit www.musichelpsheal.org 

SOURCE Live Music Tutor

Every week Hispanic Outlook features positive news stories on our website and in our social media.  These articles are often related to education in the US but also can fall outside of the field of academia.

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