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Itzhak Perlman and students at The Perlman Music School on Shelter Island.[/caption]
On December 8, the National Endowment for the Arts announced awards totaling more than $27.6 million in its first funding round of fiscal year 2016, including an Art Works award of $50,000 to The Perlman Music Program to support the Summer Music School on Shelter Island.
The Summer Music School is a seven-week residency for gifted young players of the violin, viola, cello, and bass, ages 12 to 18. Under the guidance of Toby and Itzhak Perlman, the Summer Music School's world-class faculty includes professional string musicians from around the country who provide exemplary mentorship and coaching in instrumental music to students. Students have private lessons, ensemble rehearsals, performance opportunities, and time for individual practice. Daily participation in chorus develops essential skills that strengthen instrumental students' overall musicianship, including sight-singing and ear training. Throughout the summer, the exceptional students perform in concerts that are free and open to the public.
NEA Chairman Jane Chu said, “the arts are part of our everyday lives – no matter who you are or where you live – they have the power to transform individuals, spark economic vibrancy in communities, and transcend the boundaries across diverse sectors of society. Supporting projects like The Perlman Music Program’s Summer Music School offers more opportunities to engage in the arts every day.”
“Our Summer Music School is proud to be part of Long Island's vibrant arts community.” said Toby Perlman, Founder and Director of The Perlman Music Program. “Thousands of locals and tourists attend our concerts to support our students, and most of our events are free, giving everyone the chance to experience the joy of classical music. We are humbled by the honor of this year's NEA grant, the ninth year of funding, which goes towards what we do best: developing the future leaders of classical music within a nurturing and supportive community.”
For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov.
