In advance of his concert next month at 1st Mariner Arena, Barry M
anilow has donated a new Yamaha piano to the Baltimore City Public Schools to kick off a local instrument drive here.Anyone who follows the Manilow's lead by donating a new or "gently used" instrument will receive ...
two tickets to the concert. (Those tickets are "valid for pre-selected seat locations," according to a press release issued Friday).Sonja Brookins Santelises, chief academic officer of Baltimore City Public Schools, said in a statement:
"The arts are an essential part of children's education ... But too often, tight budgets mean that schools cannot afford to buy new instruments or replace instruments that are worn out from years of use. The instruments donated through the Manilow Music Project will go a long way in bringing a love of music to City Schools' students."
The instrument donation initiative is part of the Manilow Music Project, a grass roots organization the singer/songwriter started "in response to the needs of the local public schools and their severely depleted music programs." Manilow has been donating pianos at various stops on his current concert tour.
Instruments can be dropped off at 1st Mariner Arena through September 15th. The drop-off is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Manilow's concert at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena will be at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15.
SUN FILE PHOTO