Senator Ritchie Secures $36,000 For School Music and Arts Programs

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured $36,000 to help support music and arts programs in schools across Central and Northern New York.

“When schools are forced to make budget cuts, often times it’s the music and arts programs that are among the first to go,” said Senator Ritchie.

“For many students, these programs play a key role in allowing them to develop and express their creativity as they gain the skills necessary for their success. I’m pleased to provide this funding, which will help our schools provide learning opportunities for students and enhance the quality of their band and music programs.”

The following school districts will receive funding for  music and arts programs:

Fulton City School District

Phoenix Central School District

Mexico Academy and Central School District

South Jefferson Central School District

General Brown Central School District

Morristown Central School District

Edwards-Knox Central School District

“We are grateful for the support that Senator Ritchie has given our school’s band and chorus programs. We were able to use the funding to purchase ukuleles and a portable microphone system. Music education helps our students be creative and increases their confidence as they grow and develop their talents," said George Merritt, Superintendent  of the Edwards-Knox Central School District.

“Our schools music program not only helps students maximize their personal development but gives them the freedom to be creative and excel,” said Mexico Academy and Central School District Superintendent Sean Bruno. “The funding secured by Senator Ritchie will definitely help improve our music program.”

“Even though our music program is small, it plays a big role in helping students perform well outside an academic setting. The funding Senator Ritchie was able to get for us will go a long way towards helping our students and improving our music program,” said General Brown School Superintendent Cammy Morrison.

This special funding for schools represents Senator Ritchie’s most recent effort on behalf of students in the region and continues to build upon the $100,000 she secured last year to help support school music and band programs throughout Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties.