HONOLULU – The Roots Rhythm Foundation has partnered with Palolo Elementary to kick off its "Plant the Seed: Adopt A Music Program" initiative. The young not-for-profit organization will implement a new in-class ukulele program for Palolo's spring semester, starting January 2009.
Palolo's third- and fourth-graders will enjoy in-class ukulele lessons from trained Roots Rhythm Foundation volunteers each Tuesday and Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. In order to maximize one-on-one time with each student during his or her one weekly hour, Roots Rhythm's energetic volunteers enter each class in teams of three or four. Lessons will fuse basic musical instruction with positive messages.
"The Roots Rhythm Foundation is proud to support music education, especially during a tough economy when public school budget cuts are in the headlines daily. Nearly half of Palolo Elementary's students come from the neighboring public housing complex and have never even held an instrument. Music has the power to spark innovation and ignite passions for learning," said Matthew K. Ing, founder and CEO of the Roots Rhythm Foundation.
Volunteers are still needed to round out the team. Interested individuals can email info@rootsrhythm.org. Training for volunteers starts Monday, Dec. 1, at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Campus Center. No prior experience is needed. The Roots Rhythm Foundation will be hosting a fundraising event to support its Plant the Seed initiative at thirtyninehotel (39 N. Hotel St.) on Friday, Nov. 28, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Matthew K. Ing is the Chief Executive Officer of the Roots Rhythm Foundation and he can be reached at mailto:matthewi@rootsrhythm.org The Roots Rhythm Foundation is a young not-for-profit organization with a mission "to inspire and enhance the lives of the individuals and communities of Hawaii through music outreach, education, events and services." Founded in May 2008, the Roots Rhythm Foundation was formed around the idea that music can create positive social change in Hawaii's communities. In January 2009, the Roots Rhythm Foundation will launch its Plant the Seed initiative, providing equipment and staffing for music programs in Hawaii's public elementary and intermediate schools. Individuals interested in supporting the Roots Rhythm Foundation through donations or volunteerism can email info@rootsrhythm.org or visit http://www.rootsrhythm.org (under construction).
