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Together with Sound United and their CEO, Kevin Duffy, we’ve been working on ways to make an impact for kids, schools and communities tied to the company’s mission of “bringing joy to the world through sound.”

In May 2018, Sound United announced the launch of Sound Start, a foundation dedicated to donating 10,000 instruments to children worldwide by the 2020-21 school year. To support this goal, Sound United is pledging a percentage of Denon, Polk Audio, and Definitive Technology sales to the Sound Start Foundation. See full press release.

We announced the initiative at Finney Elementary, a Save The Music grant recipient school, in Chula Vista, CA.

See the video below, featuring Finney students and superstar teacher, Crystal Pridmore!

Press release:

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (May 1, 2018)—Sound United today announced the commencement of Sound Start, a foundation dedicated to donating 10,000 instruments to children worldwide by the 2020-21 school year. In support of this goal, Sound United is pledging a percentage of Denon, Polk Audio and Definitive Technology sales to the Sound Start foundation. To execute the ambitious goal of 10,000 donated instruments, Sound United partnered with Save The Music Foundation. Additional information on how to donate can be found at www.SoundStartFoundation.org.

Sound Start was introduced at Finney Elementary, located at 3950 Byrd Street, San Diego, CA, a Save The Music grant recipient school. Sound United CEO, Kevin Duffy, outlined Sound United and Save The Music Foundation’s commitment to restoring music programs domestically and abroad. Finney Elementary School is among 80 schools across the country to receive grants from Save the Music Foundation during the 2017–2018 school year to help kids, schools and communities realize their full potential through the power of making music.

CVESD Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D., noted that an arts education enriches the lives of both students and community. “We’re already seeing the impact,” Dr. Escobedo said. “The arts help strengthen students’ social development. An arts education prepares young people for success in the 21st century workplace, fostering collaboration, communication, critical-thinking, and creativity. These are essential skills in developing the ‘whole child’ and enriching the city of Chula Vista. We couldn’t be happier in growing our partnership with Save the Music Foundation, thanks to the support of Sound United.”

“Musicians are the lifeblood of Sound United. Tight school funding often nixes the arts first when tough financial decisions are being made, our aim to is to help fix that problem,” said Kevin Duffy, CEO of the Sound United. “Our ultimate goal is to continue bringing joy to the world through music by empowering future musicians with the instruments they need to create. We are so pleased to partner with Save the Music Foundation and help ensure the future is still filled with music.”

“Save The Music is thrilled about this comprehensive partnership with Sound United’s new Sound Start foundation,” said Henry Donahue, Executive Director for Save The Music.  “Nearly one in three American public school students don’t have access to music education during their school day, and Sound Start’s commitment to deliver 10,000 instruments over the next several years will make real progress toward eliminating that gap.”