December 6, 2007

$1 MILLION HEADING TO NEIGHBORHOOD MUSIC SCHOOL

Representative Patricia Dillon (D-New Haven) announced the State Bond Commission, during its December 12th meeting, is expected to approve $1 million for the expansion and renovation of the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven. The funding is the latest installment of an overall $6-million expansion and improvement project at the school.

Dillon originally proposed $3 million in state dollars to stimulate and match private fund raising. $2 million in state dollars have already been released, and the school has successfully raised private dollars.

“We came through on our commitment, and the school met the challenge with its own efforts,” Rep. Dillon said. “The Neighborhood Music School serves 80 towns, but most of the scholarships go to students from New Haven Public Schools. It is a jewel of a resource for New Haven.”

Rep. Dillon continued, “This funding happened because of teamwork with Speaker of the House Jim Amann and the Executive Branch.”

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 for the children of factory workers. 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. The school features programs in voice and dance as well as instruction for more than 30 instruments.

Representative Dillon was first elected to the General Assembly in 1984. She is an Assistant Majority Leader and serves on the Appropriations, Higher Education and Judiciary committees.