Portland Press Herald
One of only 13 awards nationwide, its aim is to broaden the music program for a culturally diverse student population
Maine, USA - Portland High School is starting a steel drum band as a way to expand its music program beyond band and chorus and to appeal to a wider group of students, thanks to a $5,500 grant from the Grammy Foundation and Ford Motor Company.
The school, with about 850 students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, was one of just 13 nationwide to get a Signature Schools grant, according to a press release from the foundation. The award will be presented to school officials Thursday, after a music career day organized by the foundation.
....Jayne Sawtelle, the school’s lone full-time music teacher, said Tuesday the money will be used to buy Trinidad-style steel drums and to help create a steel drum band and percussion ensemble for at least 24 to 30 students.
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