Tulsa Fundraiser Hits High Note For Music Education

Friday, February 2nd 2007, 10:27 am

By: News On 6

It's an event designed to find common ground among people of different traditions all living in the same community. The "Sound and Spirit of Tulsa" concert is a citywide, interfaith event where people gather to share something they love, music. The News on 6â€™s Heather Lewin reports on the fundraiser.

"Music crosses all boundaries," said Jason Brimer with â€œSound and Spiritâ€.

From jazz to poetry to salsa and drumming, â€œSound and Spirit'sâ€ got a little something for everyone.

"It really sends a message of unity in the community,â€ said Brimer. â€œIt is a great way for us to open up the doors of the synagogue and welcome people from across the community in, but it's also a way for people of all different backgrounds to come together and share the songs of their spirit."

But organizers say this annual concert, which usually draws a crowd of more than 1,300, is about more than just a night of entertainment. Ticket-holders are also making an investment in the future of Tulsa Public Schools. Proceeds from the event supply classrooms with items like keyboards, so every child, who wants to learn to play an instrument, can learn.

Past concerts have provided uniforms and instruments for groups like the Booker T. Washington band.

"There's countless research, it's all over the place about how an arts education, visual arts and music benefit and enhance a child's complete education, and how it improves reading scores and math scores," Paige Godfrey with TPS Fine Arts said.

Godfrey says the school district is committed to providing a fine arts education, but it's not always easy to find funding. That's why TPS is grateful for events like the "Sound and Spirit of Tulsa."

"We really don't believe any student should be left out of that experience because of cost," said Godfrey.

Organizers say the now seven year Tulsa tradition has become a model for community groups around the country.

Tickets for the February 10th event are sold at the B'nai Emunah Synagogue at 1719 S. Owasso Avenue, in Tulsa.