March 27, 2006

REP. DILLON ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR NEIGHBORHOOD MUSIC SCHOOL

Representative Patricia Dillon (D-New Haven) announced the State Bond Commission, during its Friday meeting, is set to approve $1.1 million for the expansion and renovation of the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven. The funding is part of the overall $6-million expansion and improvement project at the school.

“This is a victory for children in New Haven and beyond,” Rep. Dillon said. “Thousands of young musicians get their start at the Neighborhood Music School. The renovation project will ensure the school is around to inspire musicians for generations to come. Securing this funding has been one of my top priorities.”

The Neighborhood Music School provides instruction in music and dance with the goal of making the arts accessible to people of all ethnic backgrounds and economic circumstances. It was established in 1911 in the Wooster Square neighborhood. In 1968 the school moved to Audubon Street.

The Neighborhood Music School is the ninth largest community arts school in the nation with a student body of almost 3000 from 80 cities and towns around Connecticut. The school features programs in voice and dance as well as instruction for more than 30 instruments.