RedCross               Several bands from the most severely affected regions of Hurricane Sandy’s path, including Bridgewater-Raritan High School and Hillsborough High School from New Jersey, Annapolis Area Christian School from Maryland, and Cape Fear High School and Panther Creek High School from North Carolina, have found a way to make it to Indianapolis, Indiana for the Bands of America Grand National Championships presented by Yamaha as scheduled despite the difficulties these bands have faced over the last few weeks. Music for All is proud to have these bands here in Indianapolis this weekend and is asking for help in embracing and supporting their participation.

In addition Music for All is asking its participating bands and their fans to join in supporting ALL of the victims of Hurricane Sandy by making a donation in the name of ALL of the bands (and music students) in America to the American Red Cross. “At Music for All we want to teach students about more than just music. We are committed to helping to prepare students to be great citizens and professionals. One of Music for All’s core values is Leadership. We lead through positive action and are committed to serving others for the greater good of society. While the devastation of Hurricane Sandy is terrible, it is an opportunity for our students and communities to practice real leadership and engage in doing so” says Eric Martin, President and CEO of Music for All.

The Hurricane Relief initiative has started with a $100 donation from Music for All’s President and CEO, Eric Martin. Additional funds (cash or checks) are being accepted at the Music for All Information & Awareness Booth on the North Concourse of Lucas Oil Stadium from Wednesday November 7 through Saturday November 10th. Additionally on Saturday, volunteers including members of the Avon High School and Carmel High School Orchestras from Indiana will come through the stands with buckets to accept donations. ALL of the funds will be delivered to the Indianapolis office of the American Red Cross in honor of Music for All and ALL of the band and music students and boosters in America.

If anyone wishes to join in the relief efforts they can also send a check made out to the “American Red Cross” to the Music for All office at 39 W. Jackson Place, Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46225 or make a donation to the America Red Cross directly at www.redcross.org. 

Music for All has already seen support for the Hurricane Relief initiative from its partners as well as the Indianapolis area community. Pepwear has provided t-shirts that will be the uniforms of the volunteers on Saturday, Sharp Business Systems has donated printing services and the Home Depot has donated the collection buckets. Avon High School has also graciously opened its doors to the Bridgewater-Raritan High School band to rehearse, which will be their first rehearsal since the super storm hit.

 Music for All hopes that this Grand National’s initiative becomes a catalyst to inspire a “student participant lead and driven commitment to create, determine and support a special Bands of America project benefiting others at each Grand Nationals, beginning November 2013.”