There has been tremendous success at VH1 Save The Music. Thousands of children have benefited from the instruments we have given and the programs we have restored. Take a look at the stories and the videos that tell all about our amazing VH1 Save The Music students.

ERIC WATKINS
Things weren't always easy for Eric Watkins. He had a hard time relating to other students at Philedelphia's Fulton Elementary School. But when Comcast and VH1 STM restored his school's music program, things changed. The program quickly became an invaluable asset to both students and teachers alike. Especially Eric. He learned to play the violin. In fact, he learned to play it very well, so well that Comcast and VH1 STM honored his achievement on The CBS Early Show on June 12. Since his appearance on the show, Eric has gained major confidence. "Playing the violin has improved my math and reading skills because I have to read the notes, like 1-2-3, and I also have to know about the person and how they developed it." Eric's mother Olynda McIntire also believes the violin has had a tremendous effect on her son, "Before playing the violin Eric was shy, then his self-esteem increased dramatically."

PS 161
PS 161's keyboard lab, funded in part by VH1 Save The Music Foundation and designed and installed by SoundTree, a leading provider of turnkey learning systems, is a shining example of how a well-constructed music program is quickly embraced by everyone it touches. It was literally built from the ground up, and in only two years of existence, has already achieved remarkable success - enrollment has grown from 300 students to nearly 500 today, along with the addition of an after-school music program for grades K-6.

A key element in the music lab is its dynamic instructor, Janet Rudd, who has shaped the music program into one that exemplifies the school's motto, "Where The Extraordinary Is Ordinary". On a personal level, Ms. Rudd has seen the difference her music program has made in the lives of individual students. She notes, "Music has become a real presence in our school. There are waiting lists to get into keyboard class and kids see it as a privileged and opportunity. Teachers have commented on the development of self-esteem in students where before there was little. Students are making connections to other subjects and are having the opportunity to develop an appreciation for music as well as a musical vocabulary."

Overall, Ms. Rudd says that, "Through this program, music becomes an integral part of the children's lives."

Indianapolis Public Schools
On April 29, Christy Manso, Program Manager VH1 Save The Music Foundation, attended the first-ever Indianapolis All-City Elementary Instrumental Concert. On the program were combined ensembles from 20 IPS schools -- 14 of which were granted by the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. The afternoon rehearsal was probably the best part! Walking into a high school auditorium where there were approximately 200-300 elementary band students playing "Oh When The Saints Go Marching In" was a fitting tribute to why we do what we do.

High School students served as mentors and guides for the younger students throughout the day as they participated in rehearsals and prepared for the concert later that evening. A huge supporter of the music programs, Superintendent Pritchett was on hand throughout the day and at the evening concert as were members of the school board.

Christy Manso addressed the audience at the evening concert on behalf of VH1 Save The Music. Al Aldridge of Bright House Networks was also in attendance, announcing an initiative that the cable affiliate is undertaking to collect used musical instruments, have them refurbished and then placed back into the Indianapolis Public Schools.

Success Academy - Sacramento, CA
Jerry Hicks, music teacher at Success Academy was ecstatic when he first learned that his school would be receiving a keyboard lab from the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. Over the past year, Mr. Hicks has noticed that music has brought significant achievement in both behavior and self-esteem with his students. In addition to his duties as a general classroom teacher, he felt it was necessary to use his music background to keep his students coming to school. The Success Academy is a school that hosts students who have been removed for various reasons from Elementary, K-8 and Middle School in the district. In many ways it is a last resort. Mr. Hicks often tells of a young student who loved to sing, compose and rap with the keyboard.

This engaging opportunity kept her coming to school and she even performed at the culmination event held in October 2003. The student did so well at the school that she was able to return to her regular school. Mr. Hicks is very proud of her achievements. Principal Valerie Ramos supports the arts education program and concurs with these reflections

The Success Academy is a designated Model Arts Program School and an Eisenhower/Improving Teacher Quality school. The administration along with staff receives training for their arts programs from area arts providers including the Sierra North Arts Project. The VH1 Save The Music Foundation has been an integral part of the school's building toward "Students Uncovering Character, Capacity, and Educational Supports for Success" or S.U.C.C.E.S.S.