Frank Brown Songwriters Fest In-Schools Outreach Program provides instruments to area schools

Representatives from the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival Foundation for Music In-Schools Outreach Program presented musical instruments to Bailey Middle School in Pensacola and Elberta Middle School in Baldwin County to benefit the school’s music programs.
FBISF Director Andy Haynes met with respective music instructors Michelle Young at Bailey and Josh Cockrell at Elberta Middle School to present each with much needed guitars for students to use and further develop their musical skills.
The two schools are regular participants in the FBISF Outreach Program, which was created to foster a path to creative self expression for Gulf Coast area youth.
The FBISF Foundation’s In-Schools Outreach program has been available to area schools, free of charge, for more than 12 years. The unique, curriculum-based educational experience introduces students to the wonders of songwriting and serves as a path to creative self-expression. The program’s professional songwriters combine performance with an interactive approach when addressing students.
Statistics show that programs of this type can help students develop a healthy attitude towards learning and enhances self esteem, critical and cognitive thinking, academic, communication and teambuilding skills.
“Our goal is for the students’ excitement in songwriting and writing, in general, to carry on beyond the class room, encouraging them to continue to develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives,’’ said program director, Karen E. Reynolds. “We make every effort to coincide the program with ongoing curriculum and schedule the presentations so they are unobtrusive to regular class times and still provide an educational and interesting experience.”
The FBISF is committed to this important platform and is currently seeking community support and fostering sponsorship partners who share the value of offering this program to the students. For more info, contact Reynolds at FBISFOutreach@gmail.com.
Pictured: FBISF Director Andy Haynes presenting guitars at Elberta & Jim Bailey Middle Schools