More students across Detroit will now have access to the power of music education thanks to a $1 million gift from MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU).
Michigan State University Community Music School-Detroit (CMS-D), an outreach arm of the MSU College of Music, will use the funds to provide sustainable resources through the new Detroit Regional Engagement and Access to Music Endowment (MSUFCU DREAM Fund).
MSUFCU President and CEO April Clobes celebrates the creation of the MSUFCU DREAM Fund at a special event in Detroit. The fund will provide a significant boost to the MSU Community Music School in Detroit.
At CMS-D, students of any age can engage weekly in high quality and accessible sequential music education through early childhood music, music therapy, group and private lessons, youth ensembles, adult ensembles, and music production classes.
MSU Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. addresses the gathering at the MSU Community Music School-Detroit on December 7, 2022, to celebrate the creation of the MSUFCU DREAM Fund.
“The vibrant cultural legacy within Detroit, combined with access to inspiring music education, is an undeniable recipe for the continued success of personal development, fostering enriched lives through the power of music,” Johnson said.
CMS-D has had a significant presence in Detroit since opening in 2009. With the MSUFCU DREAM Fund endowment in place, CMS-D will be able to strengthen its subsidized tuition program. Funds will also go toward instrument loans for CMS-D students in need, an MSUFCU Detroit Arts Leadership Engagement Program, and an annual MSU On the Road at MSUFCU Detroit Concert Series.
The CMS-D funds are part of a $5.5 million commitment from MSUFCU that will advance three MSU art programs over five years and bolster the university’s arts strategy.
MSU Community Music School-Detroit Director Kris Johnson thanks the MSUFCU for their gift that provides sustainable resources for the many programs offered by CMS-D.
“As MSUFCU celebrates 85 years of partnership with MSU, we’re proud of all we have accomplished together on behalf of campus and community,” said MSUFCU President and CEO April Clobes. “We’re pleased to continue our support through these creative and innovative projects that will enhance the lives of our members.
The $1 million gift is the latest in a line of significant support from MSUFCU for MSU College of Music programs.
MSU College of Music Dean James Forger spoke at the December 7 event in Detroit about the MSUFCU DREAM Fund being the latest in a series of major programs supported by MSUFCU.
“Whether it be our highly successful MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program, our career-focused MSUFCU Entrepreneurial Musical Artist in Residence program, or other initiatives over the years, the College of Music and the MSUFCU have an extensive history of creative, effective, and sustainable collaborations,” said College of Music Dean James Forger. “The MSUFCU DREAM Fund is a continuation of that strong partnership and will have a significant impact on music education in Detroit.”
MSU Jazz Orchestra I performed in Detroit as part of the MSUFCU DREAM Fund celebration at CMS-D.
