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Schuyler Achievement Academy receives the gift of music
 ALBANY,
N.Y. (June 5, 2012) -- The gift was music to the eyes and ears of
students at Philip J. Schuyler Achievement Academy.
Fidelity Investments
surprised students at the school June 5 when the firm unveiled a
donation of new musical instruments valued at $20,000. The donation was
part of Fidelity’s ongoing effort to support music programs in public
schools across the country.
"We are grateful to Fidelity Investments for this incredible gift of
music to our students," said Superintendent Raymond Colucciello, Ed.D.,
who carried a shiny new alto saxophone into the crowded gymnasium as
part of the surprise announcment. "I know these instruments will change
the lives of our students."
During a
special performance featuring the Schuyler band and orchestra, the
students were surprised when the staff of Fidelity’s new Albany Investor
Center, joined by Dr. Colucciello and district staff members, marched into the auditorium carrying an assortment of brand new
instruments (pictured at right).
The instruments included six
violins, a string bass, a cello, three flutes, three clarinets, two
trombones and two alto saxophones. The instruments are part of a
specific wish list identified by the school to help expand their growing
music program.
“Fidelity recognizes the importance of supporting the arts in our local
schools and is happy to help programs, like the one here at Schuyler
Achievement Academy, provide as many students as possible with
opportunities to participate and explore their interest in music,” said
Pauline Peterson,
vice president and branch manager of Fidelity Investments’ new Albany
Investor Center.
“Learning to play
an instrument can be a valuable learning experience, teaching many
life-long skills. We hope these new instruments will help Schuyler bring
more music into their classrooms and help ensure a bright future for
students here for years to come."
Check out the following media stories to read more:
 Students
thought they had gathered in the gymnasium to hear a preview of that
night's spring concert. But after the orchestra and band each played two
selections, Fidelity announced the gift and distributed the instruments
to the students. Three Schuyler violinists who received top scores at
this spring's New York State School Music Association festival then
performed for the group of students, teachers staff and parents (pictured
at right).
Fidelity worked with The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to select the
Albany school, which serves approximately 350 students from
prekindergarten through grade 5. The foundation is a national non-profit
organization dedicated to bringing musical instruments to underserved
schools and community programs.
Fidelity works closely
with the foundation to identify schools to receive instrument donations.
The foundation evaluates the instrumental needs of each school music
program and then facilitates the purchase and delivery of the
instruments.
To date, Fidelity has
donated more than 2,000 new instruments, valued at more than $2.2
million, to schools across the country.
“We have a waiting list
that is double the number of students enrolled because we have so many
who want to participate in the music program,” said Schuyler orchestra
director Nan Blaufuss. “This gift will not only ensure more students can
participate, but it will help them prepare for middle school.
“Kids learn
responsibility by taking care of a good instrument, and they also learn
what sounds right, from a musical perspective.”
Working with
some of the world’s most recognized orchestras – including the Boston
Pops, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony and Los Angeles
Philharmonic – Fidelity programs provide unique educational
opportunities for students to explore and expand their interests in
music. This includes activities such as the donation of new musical
instruments, field trips to symphony rehearsals and concerts, classroom
workshops by symphony musicians, professional mentoring, music
competitions and opportunities for student ensembles to perform on some
of world’s most prominent stages.
Since 2006, Fidelity
music and theater arts programs have touched more than 30,000 students
representing 195 public schools nationwide.
About Fidelity
Investments
Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest providers of
financial services, with assets under administration of $3.7 trillion,
including managed assets of $1.6 trillion, as of March 31, 2012.
Founded in 1946, the firm is a leading provider of investment
management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits
outsourcing and many other financial products and services to more than
20 million individuals and institutions, as well as through 5,000
financial intermediary firms.
For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit
www.fidelity.com.
The mission of the
City School District of Albany
is to educate and nurture all students to be responsible citizens,
critical thinkers and lifelong learners to successfully compete in the
global community by providing an academically rigorous and safe
environment in partnership with parents, students and the community. The
district serves about 8,700 students in 15 elementary, middle and high
schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes
several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative
academic opportunities for students,
including four themed
academies at Albany High School.
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