The Salvation Army Launches Greater Pittsburgh Music School

Free music and arts classes offered to 40 children ages 6 to 18 starting this Spring

 

February 25, 2020 (PITTSBURGH, PA) – The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania is launching their Greater Pittsburgh Music School where 40 children from across the region will have the opportunity to participate in weekly Vocal, Brass, Percussion and Timbrels classes. This program brings new hope to children in the greater Pittsburgh area who are in real need of the enrichment and encouragement that arts education provides.

The Salvation Army has seen remarkable success with their Beaver County Music School over the past ten years, which has built a foundation of musical and artistic excellence for the launch of the Greater Pittsburgh Music School. Since the beginning in 2010, the Beaver County program has helped hundreds of students gain the knowledge, self-esteem, confidence and joy of music theory, instrumental instruction and song, along with sacred dance choreography and drama.

“I believe the most promising and innovative aspect of the Greater Pittsburgh Music School will be the bonds developed between our diverse demographic of students and their communities,” said Bryan Cook, The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania’s Divisional Music and Creative Arts Director.

The Greater Pittsburgh Music School pilot will be held at the Pittsburgh Temple Worship & Service Center in Mt. Lebanon, PA this Spring. In the Fall, it will be moved to the new Salvation Army facility in Avalon, PA. This program brings new students, new curriculum, new modes of artistic expression, newly hired specialized staff members ready to offer in-depth instruction, and new chances for artistic collaboration with a vast network of community cultural resources close by.

Children are often first introduced to our Music and Arts Programs when they come to The Salvation Army for basic needs, such as meals and after-school programs. These classes are sometimes the only positive breaks children experience from the harsh realities of trouble at home or school. They are a bright spot in their week and help children persevere by giving them something to look forward to. The goal of this program is to get kids involved in an activity that promotes dedication, personal growth, and positive life choice, all while having a great deal of fun.

Classes are held weekly on Wednesdays starting on March 4, 2020 and are free for approved applications. Spring registration is closed but families interested in participating in the Fall program can contact their local Salvation Army or by calling (412) 446-1500.

 

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operations around the country. The Western Pennsylvania division covers 28 counties and serves every zip code in the region. For more information please visit www.salvationarmywpa.org.