Farmington Hills, MI -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/15/2010 -- Detroit area McDonald’s owner/operators are supporting music education in the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) by hosting the DPS/McDonald’s Battle of the Bands on Wed., Oct., 20 at Hart Plaza beginning at 11 a.m. The event is a competition of six DPS high school marching bands and will kickoff a fundraiser for music programs in Detroit Public Schools.

“Detroit Public Schools has a rich musical legacy, which is alive and well throughout the district,” said Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb. “We are increasing our commitment to the arts with the creation of elementary-level arts programs that will prepare students for entry into the Detroit School of Arts, including instructional, practice and/or new performance space in several of the schools that are being renovated or newly built under the $500.5 million bond program.

“We are pleased to have the support of McDonald’s as we further our commitment to providing music education in our schools.”

DPS/McDonald’s Battle of the Bands showcases student musicians

McDonald’s is hosting the event by coordinating logistics, school transportation and meals for the Battle of the Bands, as well as providing prize money for the participating bands and seed money for the fundraising campaign to support music education in Detroit Public Schools.

The participating bands are from:

• Cass Technical High School
• Detroit School of Arts High School
• Martin Luther King High School
• Mumford High School
• Renaissance High School
• Western International High School

At Hart Plaza, each band will be judged on their marching, alignment and sound. The musicians will be joined by majorettes, dancers and color guard. The six marching bands will conclude with a showdown during which each band will perform three songs. The program will conclude with a unified grand finale. Music directors from Michigan State University, Grand Valley University and Wayne State University will judge the competition. The top two bands will participate in America’s Thanksgiving Parade on Thurs., Nov. 25.

Music is the key to success in school and life
Being involved in music encourages the development of teamwork skills, discipline, organization, time management and creative thinking and can enhance language comprehension.

“Education is a priority for McDonald’s. As local business owners, we are passionate about supporting our neighbors and providing resources in our community which enable our youth to succeed in school and in life,” explained Melvin Jones, Detroit McDonald’s owner/operator. “We are proud to support music education in the Detroit Public Schools and are excited the DPS/McDonald’s Battle of the Bands will positively impact so many students. We hope to help change lives and perhaps launch the careers of world-class musicians.”

Detroit Public Schools has produced some world-renowned musical greats, including jazz and R&B trumpeter Donald Byrd (Cass Tech); musical director Cornelius Grant (Mumford); jazz/jazz fusion musician Earl Klugh (Mumford); classical pianist Ruth Laredo (Mumford); jazz musician Kenny Millions (Cass Tech); award-winning singer Diana Ross (Cass Tech); musician Jack White (Cass Tech); Grammy winning songwriter Allee Willis (Mumford); and jazz trumpeter Gerald Wilson (Cass Tech).

Academic studies have demonstrated that music study develops skills vital to success in school and in the workplace. It provides students with the opportunity to multi-task, develop flexibility in their work styles and adapt intellectually. Playing an instrument builds self-confidence by encouraging students to participate rather than observe. Additionally, participating in a musical group such as a marching band helps students to communicate and cooperate with others more effectively.

“Money spent on one’s education is an investment that truly pays big dividends,” said Jones. “We encourage individuals and other businesses in metro Detroit to join McDonald’s in donating money to support music education in Detroit Public Schools.”

A special Website, http://www.dpsmcdonaldsbattleofthebands.com, has been set up to accept donations to the DPS/McDonald’s Battle of the Bands. The Detroit Public Schools Foundation is pleased to partner with Detroit Public Schools and McDonald’s to raise funds for DPS band and music programs. Donations also can be made by check to Detroit Public Schools Foundation, please write Battle of the Bands in the note section and send the check to Detroit Public Schools Foundation, 18th Floor, Fisher Building, 3011 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan 48202.

About McDonald’s
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information on McDonald's visit http://www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 10,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants.

About the Detroit Public Schools Foundation
The Detroit Public Schools Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Detroit students. Our mission is to raise, manage and steward funds and other resources to support value-added programs and activities for the benefit of the Detroit Public Schools and its students. For more information, visit http://www.detroitpsfoundation.org.

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