Classics for Kids Foundation : Increasing Youth Music Opportunities

Classics for Kids Foundation is a national non-profit organization, co-founded in 1998 by former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice and the Muir Quartet. They started the organization in response to the decline of music education programs in public schools – committing themselves to matching grants to bring music programs and string instruments to at-risk youth. Since then, the organization has supported more than 100 matching grants in communities across the nation, with instrument values of more than $1 million.

And recently, they announced that they will be offering these grants in 40 new communities in San Diego and Beverly Hills through proceeds from musical performances.

This past weekend, just such a music performance was held. Co-chaired by Mark Hannah, Rita Lancaster-Hannah, Bill Hoehn, and Susan Hoehn, and held at the Hoehn’s home in Rancho Santa Fe, 200 San Diegan guests enjoyed musical performances by former Dr. Rice and the Muir String Quartet. Overall, they raised over $200,000 at the event! A portion of which will be funding the San Diego Youth Symphony.

"Bill and I are honored to host Classics for Kids at our home, and were thrilled with the outpouring of support from the community. Every now and then an organization comes along that has such an enormous impact on the lives and futures of the next generation, and Classics for Kids is one of those," commented Susan Hoehn.

"My personal experience with Classics for Kids began a year ago when my husband and I were invited to the Yellowstone Club in Montana for a very special evening with Condoleezza Rice in benefit of Classics for Kids Foundation. The experience of that evening was full of magical moments that I will never forget. I wanted to share this beautiful experience with my friends and community. This organization helps children know, learn and love the language of music, and for that our world will be a little better with each young student we touch," commented event co-chair Rita Lancaster-Hannah.

"Classics for Kids fills a critical void for schools—the ability to provide children with high quality instruments to aid in their instruction and enjoyment of music," Dr. Rice said. "The study of music is not, to my mind, an ‘extracurricular activity.’ It’s at the core of educating our children broadly, giving them the confidence to take on difficult challenges and the opportunity to gain a talent that can be with them for a lifetime. Classics for Kids is a great partner for the schools in this important work."

"Dr. Rice and the Classics for Kids Foundation are making a huge difference for the children of our community. By giving access to high quality string instruments, the Foundation is developing musical citizens with discipline, tenacity, and empathy while inspiring local investment in music education for more students. We are proud to be the Foundation's partner in making music education accessible and affordable to all children in San Diego," commented Dalouge Smith, President and CEO of San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory.

Their message is clear: empowering young people and shaping positive futures for them through music. And I am sure that’s something we can all support and be proud