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Logo for Project Imagine, the new initiative from Music & Arts
The score for Color in the Grey, composed by Kelijah Dunton, the first composition offered as part of Project Imagine
Kelijah Dunton, the composer of Color in the Grey, the first composition offered as part of Project Imagine
Logo for Music & Arts Advocacy

Music & Arts logo



 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Music & Arts Unveils Phase 1 of “Project Imagine”

The first in a series of commissioned compositions has been distributed to 250 music educators across the country, providing exciting new repertoire for underserved middle and high school music programs


Frederick, MD, Nov. 2, 2022: Music & Arts, one of the nation’s largest musical instrument retailers and lesson providers, announces the kickoff of “Project Imagine,” a commissioned composition project aimed at providing underserved music programs the opportunity to perform high-quality pieces entirely free of charge. The program will consist of a series of compositions (classified as grade/difficulty level 2-3 out of 5) intended for middle school and high school ensembles. Each piece is accompanied by optional rehearsal suggestions / tips and social-emotional learning curricula, creating a comprehensive nine-week thematic instructional unit that will create a memorable experience for directors and their students.

Scott Lang, Music & Arts Director of Advocacy, remarks, “For many young musicians, there is nothing like the excitement of beginning a new piece of repertoire. From a sometimes-clumsy first sightread, to careful notes from the director, to fixing mistakes and perfecting the piece for the performance stage, a new piece of music represents potential and accomplishment – and that is what we aim to encourage with Project Imagine.”

The first composition was released in September 2022 to wide acclaim, with 250 copies given to music educators across the country. Written by Kelijah Dunton, Color in the Grey is a gorgeous grade 2.5-3 band work, 3:20 in duration, accessible to middle school and high school ensembles. According to Dunton, “Color in the Grey is about embracing the creativity and the imagination within us.” School bands across the country will be performing Color in the Grey throughout the 2022-23 school year.

The second composition is currently under development. Written by Victor C. Johnson, the choral work Awake, My Soul! celebrates the joy of creation and the wonders of imagination. Featuring soaring vocal lines, cool, contemporary harmonies, and a driving piano accompaniment, this piece sizzles with festive energy. Choral directors can expect to request this piece later in 2022.

Brian Wilson, Music & Arts Vice President, School Services, remarks, “With Project Imagine, our goal is to give a special opportunity to programs that might not have the budget for acquiring new scores. Additionally, Project Imagine aims to provide a platform for composers who write with purpose and an inspirational spirit. We are excited to see and hear the fruits of the hard work of the programs who have been provided these new compositions.”

To learn more about Music & Arts, visit MusicArts.com.

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Photo file 1: Blue-LogoDesignProjectImagine.JPG
Photo caption 1: Logo for Project Imagine, the new initiative from Music & Arts

Photo file 2: ColorInTheGrey_Cover.JPG
Photo caption 2: The score for Color in the Grey, composed by Kelijah Dunton, the first composition offered as part of Project Imagine

Photo file 3: KelijahDunton.JPG
Photo caption 3: Kelijah Dunton, the composer of Color in the Grey, the first composition offered as part of Project Imagine

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Photo caption 4: Logo for Music & Arts Advocacy

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Photo caption 5: Music & Arts logo

About Music & Arts:
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Music & Arts is one of the nation’s largest band & orchestra instrument retailers and lessons providers, and is part of the Guitar Center family of brands. Based in Frederick, MD, the company supports the needs of educators, musicians, and parents with more than 250 store locations specializing in instrument sales and rentals, lessons for musicians of all levels, and a nationwide repair network. More than 200 Music & Arts educational representatives provide personalized service to the music educators in their communities, supporting them and their students with in-school service calls, rentals and repairs. Through offering its services, Music & Arts spreads the power of the band & orchestra experience to transform lives, enrich communities and stir the soul.

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