The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians presented a check in the amount of $7,500 to the Santa Ynez Valley Music Boosters at their Winter Concert on Dec. 7. The funds will help support the boosters’ instrument replacement project, which will provide new and updated instruments for students at the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Music Department.
“Santa Ynez Valley Music Boosters is an integral part of our community,” Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, said in a press release. “Not only does this program provide students access to music education, they participate in numerous performances throughout the valley.”
The SYV Music Boosters formed as a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and providing financial support to the high school music department, which has grown from a student enrollment of 20 kids 10 years ago to its current enrollment of more than 100. The music program now encompasses an award-winning concert band, marching band, vocal ensemble, and choir.
“The Santa Ynez Music Boosters is grateful to the Chumash Foundation for its generous donation toward our instrument replacement project,” Francisca Escobar, music boosters’ president, said in a release. “This grant allows us to update aging instruments and equipment that enhances the quality of music education in the valley. Music is an essential element of a balanced educational experience and provides sensory and intellectual skills that motivate and excite young minds, which is required for academic success.”
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $20 million to hundreds of groups, organizations, and schools in the community and across the nation.
This article appears in Dec 22-29, 2016.