I really like Portugal. The Man as a band, they have the sweetest harmonies and the catchiest songs, but now I love them even more: According to the Huffington Post, the indie band is working with online ticket reseller StubHub and footwear brand Dr. Martens to put $1 million worth of musical instruments in schools across the country! The initiative, which was introduced at SXSW, is done in partnership with Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.
Music education is very often neglected in schools, although it should be considered as essential, as it is well demonstrated that learning music is very beneficial for many cognitive and brain functions. But, of course, because of the cost of instruments, music classes are often cut off school programs, and according to BusinessWire, more than six million U.S. elementary and middle school students do not have access to arts or music classes. But the band couldn’t be happier to participate:
‘Growing up in Alaska, we did not have many opportunities to play music, let alone get exposed to it,’ said frontman John Gourley. ‘We were lucky enough to have parents who supported our passions, but we know without them we would have never had the opportunity and who knows what I would be doing now. It is great to see supporters like StubHub and MHOF giving underfunded schools and students the chance to chase their passions. Music and arts education is very important to us and are we stoked to be part of this program.’
‘We simply want to put instruments in the hands of children. Every person needs something that they do to push themselves,’ said bassist Zach Carothers to The Huffington Post. ‘Every kid should have access to the tools that will shape who they become as adults. I have no idea where I would be if I didn’t have instruments available at a young age.’
Austin schools will be the first to benefit and two of them will receive the first donations, that is more than $80,000 worth of instruments. More artists and bands will get involved, donations will be made nationwide throughout the year, and they will of course focus on underfunded institutions and low-income areas…. Really, what not to like about Portugal. The Man? But wait a minute, indie bands and brands?… I wonder whether Win Butler would call this selling out?