Georgia Congressman John Barrow applauds the news; Money will be used to help fund education workshops hosted during the 2007 Savannah Music Festival, and support the Georgia Southern University Music Festival

Washington DC - Support for music education across southeastern Georgia hit a high note with the recent news that Georgia Southern University and the Savannah Music Festival have both awarded "Access to Artistic Excellence" grants totaling $55,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).         

"Music and the arts enrich our community and our children's educations," 12^th District Congressman John Barrow (D-Savannah) said applauding the news. "This money will provide valuable experiences for high school and university students to share with other musicians. These festivals also preserve the rich history of Southern music."  

According to the NEA, "Access to Artistic Excellence" grants "encourage and support artistic excellence, preserve cultural heritage, and provide access to the arts for all Americans."  The grants "support projects that provide short-term arts exposure and arts appreciation for children and youth as well as intergenerational education projects."

The local programs receiving "Access to Artistic Excellence" funding include:

·        The Savannah Music Festival, Inc., will receive $10,000 to support the 2007 Savannah Music Festival High School Jazz Band Workshop, a project held in cooperation with the Georgia Music Educators Association. High school jazz bands from Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina will participate in the two-day workshop.

·        Georgia Southern University Research and Service Foundation will receive $45,000 to support the regional choral festival "American Masterpieces." This festival focuses on historical spirituals and brings together choirs, choral directors, and scholars in Statesboro and Savannah, Georgia.  

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Contact: Harper Lawson, (202) 225-2823

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