Last Friday, Cricket Wireless announced that it’s making a $125,000 donation to the Atlanta Music Project (AMP). The gift will go toward giving 100 students full scholarships to participate in the organization’s newly launched All Star Youth Orchestra & Choir.
Cricket’s scholarship contribution will provide instruments, uniforms, transportation and musical accessories to allow all students in AMP’s All-Star Youth Orchestra & Choir to participate at no cost to their families.
As part of the beautiful presentation, Atlanta’s own Grammy Award winning artist Monica joined AMP’s student musicians for a special performance of her hit song, “Angel of Mine.”
“Our young musicians have worked hard at their craft for many years and have developed powerful transferable skills, including flexibility, problem-solving, confidence, creativity and how to communicate with their peers,” said Dantes Rameau, co-founder and executive director for the Atlanta Music Project. “Most importantly, it has taught them to strive for excellence. Thanks to Cricket Wireless, these scholarships will help us continue this valuable work while at the same time helping us grow our programming to serve more young people for years to come.”
Founded in 2010, AMP provides intensive, tuition-free music education for underserved youth right in their neighborhood. This year, AMP launched the All-Star Youth Orchestra & Choir, a first-of-its-kind initiative for Atlanta, to bring together the finest young musical talent from the city’s south and west side neighborhoods to train in classical ensembles. The orchestra and choir are made up of middle- and high-school-age students. AMP believes the pursuit of musical excellence leads to the development of confidence, creativity and ambition, thus sparking positive social change in the individuals and the communities they serve.