The second largest Japanese car maker's first major gift to DSO is by far the most sizeable thing it has given to an American arts organization. The donation will be used to fund the Power of Dreams String Project, which will provide introductory music education and string training in Metro Detroit communities where opportunities for children are nonexistent or families could not afford the instruments or lessons, according to the Detroit News.
The Honda grant is expected to add 200 beginning string players to DSO classical training programs, which now include about 450 young musicians in five ensembles, the report continued. The grant, which will be divided in equal installments over the next five years, is also aimed to pay for private string lessons for 20 children in grades three through six.
What's more, the grant sets seed money for a Power of Dreams Music Education Fund. DSO solicits public contributions for such fund.
"This is exactly the kind of partnership we've been looking for to assure the stability of these vital programs long-term," said DSO president and executive director Anne Parsons. "While we are very proud of our educational programs, it's a struggle every year to raise the considerable amount of money needed to keep them going."
They "have long been among our major corporate donors" to the DSO's annual fund drive, which in fiscal 2007 generated $3.5 million for all corporate sponsors combined, said DSO press director Jill Woodward. That is nearly a quarter of the orchestra's record total of $14.6 million for the year. "Certainly in the corporate category, the Big Three have a long history of giving. The Max wouldn't be here without them," she added.
Honda giving considerable donations in America signals its desire to increase its presence in the territory. This could be the result of the intensifying pressure among the Big 3.
The designation of Honda's large DSO gift for training children reflects the company's philanthropic emphasis on both youth and education, said Gary Kessler, the senior vice president for human resources at American Honda Corp. "We're mindful of the benefits to a child from music education," he said.
"Research shows the relationship between musical studies and personal discipline and effectiveness in all areas of learning. We want to make a difference in lives, and we're excited about a synergy between Honda and the DSO's excellent educational programs."
Leonard Slatkin, the DSO's music director designate, said that he expects Honda's collaboration with the DSO to provide "musical opportunities that will make an impact on our young people. The innovative quality of Detroit's initiatives, and my ability to lead in this area, is one of the things that attracted me to the DSO. Together we will be leaders in the field."
Like the flexibility of Monroe shocks, the automakers are finding ways to reach out to different organizations to increase industry presence and to help accordingly.
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Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
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