SOURCE: NAMM and Disney Channel

October 07, 2008 07:00 ET

The NAMM Foundation and Disney Channel Announce Sequel to 'Disney's High School Musical: The Music in You' Grant Program

Program Supports Music and Arts in Schools and Helps to Fund School Theater Productions of "High School Musical" 1 and 2

BURBANK, CA--(Marketwire - October 7, 2008) - The NAMM Foundation and Disney Channel today announced that they will again team up to allow middle and high schools across the U.S. the opportunity to apply for a grant to put on their own school stage production of Disney's "High School Musical" or "High School Musical" 2. The public affairs initiative utilizes the popularity of the "High School Musical" movies and the licensed amateur theater adaptations to encourage more kids to get involved in music and the arts.

The grant program will award worthy schools a $5,000 monetary grant and license for "High School Musical" 1 or 2. The funds are to support music and arts-related educational costs of the production such as hiring music and dance coaches, and to help schools that do not have sufficient lighting and sound equipment for the production.

"The response from schools seeking a grant to perform High School Musical last year was overwhelming and we are pleased to continue to partner with Disney Channel in the grant program this school year," said Mary Luerhsen, executive director, The NAMM Foundation. "Being involved in school music and arts programs and productions such as 'High School Musical' or 'High School Musical' 2 inspires students' creativity, and helps them succeed in school and in life."

Adam Sanderson, senior vice president, brand marketing, Disney/ABC Networks Group, said, "As 'High School Musical' has proven, music is a powerful way for kids to express themselves, and we're pleased that this grant program will afford deserving students the opportunity to shine."

Schools interested in applying for a grant should visit www.nammfoundation.org to view grant guidelines and submit an application online. All proposals must be received by December 15, 2008 (11:59 p.m., EST). Grant recipients will be notified in May 2009.

As part of the initiative, Disney Channel and Radio Disney will present Public Service Announcements to encourage viewers to learn, engage, explore and participate in music, dance and theater. Messages will also include information on how schools can apply for the grant. Select 2008 grant recipients will also be featured in a Disney 365 presentation that showcases the impact of "The Music in You" program.

Last year's grant award winners were:

--  Booker T. Washington High School, Houston, Texas
--  BYNG Schools, Ada, Okla.
--  Cheektowaga Central, Cheektowaga, N.Y.
--  Cranston High Schools East and West, Cranston, R.I.
--  Dwight Morrow High School, Englewood, N.J.
--  Eau Clair High School, Columbia, S.C.
--  L.A. Webber High School, Lyndonville, N.Y.
--  Marana Middle School, Marana, Ariz.
--  Patrick Henry Middle School, Granada Hills, Calif.
--  Ridgeview Charter School, Atlanta, Ga.
    

About Disney Channel

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 94 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on 27 Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney-ABC Television Group. DisneyChannel.com, is the #1 entertainment Web site among kids ages 6-14.

About Radio Disney

Radio Disney is the No. 1 destination for kids, tweens and families on the radio. It is available to 97% of the U.S. on over 50 terrestrial radio stations and on: RadioDisney.com, XM and Sirius satellite radio, iTunes Radio Tuner, XM/DIRECTV and mobile phones. Kids, tweens and families can also download Radio Disney programming via the iTunes Music Store.

About the NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry.