GraceNotes in the Garden Fundraiser

Diane Stewart, Scott Anderson, and Raymond Tymas-Jones, Dean of the University of Utah College of Fine Arts request your presence at:

GraceNotes in the Garden: An evening in support of innovative afterschool music education for low income and at-risk children.

On May 26th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm, we invite you to gather in the Stewart home and gardens to be entertained and inspired by the professional local musicians of the Salty Cricket Composers Collective and the student musicians from their GraceNotes program. GraceNotes is an intensive, ensemble-based FREE afterschool music program launched last fall at Jackson Elementary School. GraceNotes@Salty Cricket harnesses professional composers and performing musicians to provide free afterschool care and music education to underpriveleged students.

The night's esteemed guest of honor is Jamie Bernstein, director of the film documentary, CRESCENDO: THE POWER OF MUSIC and daughter of Leonard Bernstein . This engaging and emotional film follows the start-up years of two El Sistema afterschool music programs in New York and Philadelphia, programs-based on the same model and values as the GraceNotes program being implemented right here in Salt Lake City. She will share stories of her work with these children and their mentors, discuss the three-year-long process of making the film, as well as share her observations on the power of music education--especially for children growing up in economically disadvantaged communities.

Like the two successful programs featured in Jamie Bernstein's film, Salty Cricket's GraceNotes program is already changing the lives of many students at Jackson elementary and we look forward to sharing their stories with you.

Hors d'oeuvres from Eiffel Tower Catering and beverages will be served.

A fully tax-deductible donation of $150 per person is suggested for this event.

We are happy to answer any questions or assist you with your RSVP, if necessary. Please contact Victoria Petro-Eschler, Executive Director, Salty Cricket Composers Collective at victoria@saltycricket.org