Classical MPR Launches Annual Instrument Drive and Expanded Teen Talent Showcase

Oct 24, 2013

Classical MPR continues to nurture music in young musicians and young listeners across the region with Play It Forward, its annual instrument drive for Minnesota schools, and Minnesota Varsity, a high school-level Classical music showcase for classical, musical theater performance students and composers from Minnesota and surrounding areas.

For more than 40 years, Classical Minnesota Public Radio has shared the best classical music with listeners tuned in to its airwaves and, more recently, its online services. As a natural extension of its mission, Classical MPR has bolstered its efforts in creating programs and initiatives that keep music education essential to young people.

In addition, Classical MPR's commitment to music education is demonstrated through these ongoing programs and through new initiatives like the "Classical MPR in the Classroom" video series and the on-air School Spotlight feature.

In partnership with the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), Classical MPR presents the fourth year of its benefit for Minnesota schools, Play It Forward--Classical MPR's Musical Instrument Drive™.

During the month of November, schools throughout Minnesota will accept gently used instruments. Visit classicalmpr.org/playitforward to find a participating school near you. Schools are accepting brass, woodwinds, string instruments, concert percussion (snare drums), and acoustic guitars. School-owned instruments are loaned free of charge to students who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs, for use in band or orchestra. Often, students receiving instruments from their school cannot otherwise participate in their school's music program. Donations are tax deductible.

Play it Forward - Classical MPR's Musical Instrument Drive is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and Jim Lupient Infiniti of Golden Valley.

Now in its fourth year, Minnesota Varsity is a showcase for top high-school musical talent in Minnesota and its surrounding area. New this year, non-Minnesota residents, from areas bordering Minnesota and from Sun Valley, Idaho, are eligible to enter. Classical MPR has partnered with the American Composers Forum (ACF) again this year on a composition category designed to highlight the region's young composers. Minnesota music students ages 14-18 (grades 9-12) as well as those who live or attend school outside Minnesota but within MPR's listening area are invited to submit a recording of themselves performing. The recording does not have to be professional quality and can be as simple as a smartphone recording. Classical and music theater vocalists, instrumental soloists and small ensembles are all welcome to submit recordings. Performances can be solo, or with a group, and can be up to 10 minutes in length. For the composition category, student composers (also ages 14-18 and grades 9-12) are invited to submit an original score for traditional piano trio: violin, cello, and piano, or for any solo or combination of those instruments, between 3 and 7 minutes in length.

The Showcase Artists will then perform on stage at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul on May 5, 2013 in a live radio broadcast. The Showcase Composers' works will be premiered at the Fitzgerald Theater as part of the live broadcast.

Complete details and submissions guidelines are available at classicalmpr.org/varsity . Submissions will be accepted through January 9, 2014.