On Wednesday, June 29, Chiho Feindler, Senior Director of Programs and Policy for Save The Music Foundation, presented the results of Metis’s case study of the Foundation’s work across West Virginia. During this press conference held through the Office of the Governor, Ms. Feindler highlighted key findings from the case study. Most of the music teachers and school superintendents surveyed believed the program had positive impacts on students’ critical thinking, engagement, and pride in their communities. Moreover, the results showed increases in students’ academic achievement among participating schools.
The release of the case study coincided with the announcement from West Virginia’s governor, Jim Justice, that eight additional middle schools across West Virginia will be receiving grants made possible by the Save the Music Foundation. These grants have an average value of $40,000 and will support musical instruments and other materials and programmatic support.