From Senator Edward M. Kennedy:  "The sound of music is the sound of America and whatever its beat, it is a mosaic of the mood of our nation and a rich and vibrant record of our great growth and cultural heritage. Music is a magnificent unifying and humanizing experience. We rejoice that America's interest in music is at a new high, because it touches and enthuses all our citizens at every level of age. To bring the inspiration and enjoyment of music to millions of Americans is an exciting and fruitful challenge and I hope that business and community leaders everywhere will respond to the efforts of the Music Performance Fund in encouraging the expansion of free, live musical programs throughout the country." From Senator Orrin G. Hatch: "There is nothing more exhilarating to me than to listen to a jazz concert under the stars. Music is universal, something we can all understand, whether it be a free-swinging jazz ensemble or a Beethoven composition played by a community orchestra. The success of the Music Performance Fund means thousands of musical events to enhance the culture of all Americans coast-to-coast. Not only do I give a special word of thanks as a lover of music, but I'm sure all Americans who have heard the free music of MPF applaud its efforts." Mr. B. Eley, Rockwood Centennial Public School Rockwood, Ontario, Canada "...In these days when finding money for field trips is a problem, we appreciated having you come to our school.  As a musician myself, I enjoyed hearing such talented performers play with such enthusiasm for our children." B. J. Fullenkamp, Director Industry and Government Affairs Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. "The Music Performance Fund has helped improve the quality of life in countless communities.  Anheuser-Busch has been a proud supporter of this organization's efforts to entertain, educate and inspire both audiences and musicians." Gilberto Ramon, Executive Director San Antonio Education Partnership San Antonio, Texas "We still have a tendency not to fully encourage young minority students to pursue a career in the creative arts.  It was good for students to hear about the music and understand that they, too, can follow their artistic and musical dreams...MPF has had a profound impact on our students – perhaps more than we can ever fully understand." Bobbi and John Janson Allentown, Pennsylvania "A few years ago, when we were deciding where we wanted to buy our next home...it was the band concerts that made us feel that Allentown was a family town, and that we would like our children and grandchildren to experience that family atmosphere.  Keep up the good work.  The music is part of what draws the families." Thomas M. Menino Mayor of Boston Boston, Massachusetts "...Thank you." Elizabeth Mackey, Director National Veterans Creative Arts Festival "The Music Performance Fund supports the orchestra for the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival stage show performance each year.  These professional musicians enhance the performances by the veterans and add significantly to the overall quality of the show." Robbin Ahrold, Vice President Corporate Relations BMI "The MPF has been a terrific partner for some really innovative projects that both honor the greats of the music business and help develop the next generation of musicians and composers.  Programs like Jazz in the Schools wouldn't be possible without the insight and dedication of the MPF and its management." Elva Miller, Principal San Antonio High School Huntington Park, California "As a small school it is impossible for us to afford a group like the Saturday Night Bath.  It is only through your generous donation that it is possible.  Thank you for...sponsoring these musicians who so generously share the magic of music with those of us who would otherwise have only a recording and not the live performance." James M. Sottile, Mayor of Kingston Kingston, New York "You have provided many years of musical enjoyment for the residents of the City of Kingston...These concerts are part of the cultural fabric of Kingston and as their popularity grows, so does the attendance...Thank you for your continued partnership with Kingston." Maury Yeston Tony Award®- winning composer and lyricist "The Music Performance Fund gives all its supporters – the recording industry, foundations, and corporate co-sponsors – the greatest bang for their philanthropic buck, because the contributions ultimately reach such a vast and diverse audience." Joseph Volpe, General Manager Metropolitan Opera New York, New York "The dedicated commitment of the MPF to our parks' concerts enables us to bring the joy of grand opera to many who are not able to attend performances inside the opera house.  I want to thank you for the major role the MPF plays in bringing the Met's artistic achievements to a diverse audience." Alison Cox Harrington Elementary School Denver, Colorado "We need performances like these to keep arts education alive in public education." Who We Are Our Mission Our History What We Do How Others See Us back to top of page