Despite its near demise and state cuts to education, Los Altos non-profit vows to keep music in schools

By Robin Shepherd, Special to the Town Crier

Children need their A-B-Cs and 1-2-3s, but what about a little do-re-mi? Educators understand the power of music in encouraging children’s self-expression and providing a vehicle for sharing cultural heritages, but they often lack the means to bring music into the schools.

For 28 years, Los Altos-based Music For Minors has brought music appreciation and instruction into dozens of Bay Area schools that would otherwise have to do without.

Grace Johnston understood music’s power and promise for young children when she founded Music For Minors in 1975 with support from the Los Altos School District administration, the Junior League and the American Association of University Women. At that time, music programs were disappearing from California schools due to funding and resource shortfalls promulgated by Proposition 13. Recent state budget cuts threaten music education today.

Johnston, a Los Altos resident, guided the non-profit docent organization on a mission to keep music programs in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

“Our volunteers have worked amazingly hard, our program is very professional and our supporters believe in what we do,” said Johnston.

Music For Minors offers in-depth training for volunteer docents, who provide children with weekly half-hour lessons in the classroom. The emphasis is on vocal music and movement activities including folk dancing, music listening, hands-on instruction with rhythm instruments and basic music theory.

The organization also provides resources, including instruments. Community outreach efforts help build awareness of school needs and the value of music in education. Music For Minors’ 100 volunteers, active in approximately 30 schools, reach more than 4,000 students every year. The docents’ 55-hour training program is conducted at two locations.

The economic downturn of 2001-02 nearly caused Music For Minors to close its doors. Board members reviewed priorities, established an interim volunteer board and scaled back operations to sustain classroom programs.

A diminished donor base and volunteer pool combined with the school budget crises just when the organization had expanded to meet an increased demand for its services.

Former board member Candy Pelissero returned as volunteer interim director to lead Music For Minors in its revitalization efforts.

“We aim to have more impact in the schools we serve, with a stronger presence at each grade level and from year to year so students can benefit from a consistent music program,” Pelissero said.

Music for Minors relies on support from public and private foundations and individuals to continue its mission. Among its backers are the Packard Foundation, Cisco Systems, Mayfield Fund, Bank of Los Altos, Junior League and the Payne Foundation.

In addition to the classroom programs, Music For Minors offers after-school programs for at-risk children in partnership with El Camino YMCA and the City of San Jose and support from the Packard Foundation. Music For Minors II, a spin-off, serves Fremont and Newark schools.

Schools choosing Music For Minors typically pay $25 per child per year, with fees often paid by PTA organizations or from discretionary or district funds.Title 1 schools pay $50 per classroom per year.

Music For Minors will begin its 2003-04 docent training program Sept. 9.

A Volunteer Information Evening is scheduled 7-9:30 p.m., Sept. 4, at the Linden Tree Children’s Recordings & Books, 170 State St., Los Altos. (RSVP requested).

For more information, call 941-9130.