Student Musicians Rock On for Dr. Chu on visit to Corona

kids_rock_012NEA Chairman Jane Chu’s last stop on her Riverside County, California, on Friday, February 20, 2015 was to Fender Center’s Kids Rock Free® School of Music. Follow @NEAJaneChu  and @KidsRockFree on Twitter and Facebook for photos and commentary on the visit to California.

Pamela Hogan and board members George Guayante and Jeff Salash greeted Chairman Chu at the Fender Center’s Kids Rock Free School of Music in Corona where she toured the classrooms and studio for performances by Kids Rock Free students.  The attached photo was taken by Melanie Salash, Wild Blue Orchid Photography, when Dr. Chu, set to lay down a riff, praised Fender® Musical Instruments Corporation for their significant donations to this nonprofit community music school where over 15,000 students have  taken free and low-cost music lessons in the last 16 years.

Dr. Chu was joined by Congressman Ken Calvert, his staff, Mayor Eugene Montanez, City of Corona staff and representatives from the California and Riverside Arts Councils.  Kids Rock Free parents and students shared their music ed life-changing experiences with the Chairman who explained that as a pianist she also turns to music for times when words don’t suffice.  She encouraged the students to continue their education and wished them luck with their aspirations. The following students performed for Dr. Chu and guests:

  • KRF® School of Music Band “No Surrender” led by Band & Guitar Instructor Lee Zimmer
  • KRF® School of Music Drumline accompanied by Drum Instructor Henry Rodriguez
  • KRF® School of Music Soloist Breanna Carrera accompanied by Vocal Instructor Christopher Diaz

For more information about NEA, contact NEA Public Affairs at auclaire@arts.gov or 202-682-5744.

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