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The Farmers, Jerry Raney’s successor to the Beat Farmers (the greatest San Diego band of the 1980s), and a reunited Glory, Jerry’s band that dominated San Diego’s rock scene in the 1970s, headline a historic concert on May 26, 6 pm – 10 pm, at Anthology, 1337 India Street, to raise funds for the California Music Project (CMP) and to support music education in San Diego public schools. Glory alumni Jack Butler and Jack Pinney will also perform with their bands Private Domain and Modern Rhythm.
Music education is a critical part of any curriculum designed to develop well-adjusted, well-rounded young adults. Countless studies show important correlations between music education and other learning and development goals – better math skills, staying in school, improved test scores and more.
The California Music Project is a not-for profit organization that enhances the training of music education students from San Diego State University through fellowships that pair them with credentialed music teachers in San Diego public schools to help strengthen existing school music programs. The CMP fellows get real-life experience and mentorship from a seasoned teacher while assisting in the classroom. The students benefit by having enthusiastic undergraduates involved in their studies. Teachers benefit from the help of a college student eager to learn the art of teaching. It is an integrative program that provides an invaluable experience for all.
Mark Nicholson, Instrumental Music Specialist for the Visual and Performing Arts Department of the San Diego Unified School District, describes music programs in San Diego Unified schools as in a “building mode.” The San Diego Unified School Board recognizes the value of music instruction and partnering with California Music Project has helped provide the impetus for such growth.
“Mann Middle School offers a perfect example of a CMP success story,” says Nicholson. “Mann did not have a music program until about a year ago when the school received funding for a music teacher. CMP fellow Chris Mena immediately joined the young program. Since then, the program has exploded -- it is a huge success. Chris mentored the students while receiving invaluable instruction and experience as well. CMP helps create a legacy of superbly trained music teachers for future generations and along the way everyone benefits. It is a win-win situation.”
Seven CMP fellows are working in the San Diego region this year; four in the San Diego Unified School District, three in the Sweetwater School district. Each fellow spends eight to 10 hours in the classroom weekly and signs on for a one-year commitment. Sometimes, as in the case of Kyoko Miura who worked as a CMP fellow at Wangenheim Middle School, the CMP fellowship evolves into a music teacher position.
For local rock legends, the training that CMP provides for both students and would-be teachers is a no-brainer. Jack Pinney, who, with Greg Willis, was with Iron Butterfly before joining Glory, says “Back when we were in public school, music was the way my friends and I learned to express ourselves, to make something of ourselves, like other kids could do with athletics or academic subjects they were good at. As musicians I think we need to help make sure kids today have the same chance – we can’t let music education become a luxury for the privileged. Kids are too important, and music is too important.” These like-minded musicians from the “golden” era of San Diego rock have banded together to support CMP so today’s students can continue to have the option of learning music the way they did.
“These performers are part of a generation of great musicians from San Diego public schools, that included Jack Tempchin, Tom Waits, Frank Zappa and many others,” says Jim Gunderson, a director of the California Music Project. “San Diego is fortunate to have school boards who perceive the importance of keeping music in schools and of the CMP programs that train the next wave of music educators. CMP wants to insure the future of music in San Diego by training passionate educators today. We are very grateful that these local performers have joined in to help preserve the music education legacy in our public schools, and we hope that they will inspire others to join our cause during this amazing event. ”
Upscale and inviting Anthology provides the perfect venue for a spring evening of rock n’ roll. Festivities include great food, a Silent Auction and an evening full of amazing music. Proceeds benefit local CMP programs. To purchase tickets go to Anthology and scroll to May 26th on the calendar, or phone 619-595-0300. To learn more about the California Music Project go to California Music Project
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