Critically Acclaimed Musician Launches Music & Arts Program

June 13, 2010 - PRLog -- Extraordinary on any day, imagine a distinguished crowd of more than 2000 people intently listening with awe to the stirring sounds of a violin being played by a musician that partakes with such electrifying brilliance, it‟s almost unbelievable the sounds coming from the instrument is real. Well, that‟s exactly what critically acclaimed electric violinist Ken Ford accomplishes every time he takes the stage as he did last week when he headlined at the Tanzania Education Trust New York Gala hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania, President Jakaya Kikwete. This event graced the front page of outlets such as ABCNews.com, NPR and LIFE.com showing Ken‟s groundbreaking performance. Not only that, he has worked with musical geniuses such as jazz artist Boney James, funkster D'Angelo, Wyclef Jean, VH-1 Storytellers, the great, Stevie Wonder, Maxwell, jazz great, Dionne Farris and a host of other notables. It is the result of this passion and where it has taken Ford that has fueled his desire to make the same experience available to children across the country. On June 25th at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center in DeKalb County, Ford will launch his groundbreaking music and arts program, The Ken Ford Foundation with a benefit concert, free to all children.

It‟s no secret that when school districts and officials start talking „cuts‟, one of the first to go are programs like music and arts. “Music is an essential component in a high-quality education,” says Ford. “It‟s been proven when children have an opportunity to explore music and arts programs, their test scores improve as well as, their aptitude for subjects such as science and mathematics. The Ken Ford Foundation’s mission is to encourage generations of youth to embrace their unique talents through music appreciation.” Ford also shares; it‟s his way of giving back and taking a stand for music and arts programs that many parents feel voiceless and powerless about.

Ford will be kicking off the program‟s launch with an appearance at DeKalb Alternative School on May 10th where 10 children will have a chance to be mentored and enrolled in the Ken Ford Foundation music and arts program by winning an essay contest. Principal, Vivian Terry of DeKalb Alternative School shares, “Ken Ford being at our school means a great deal to these kids! He gives them exposure to something very positive for arts and music, and reaches out to those at-risk kids who ordinarily wouldn't be exposed to that realm of entertainment,” Terry continues, “And it also gives Ken a very positive way to make an impact in these kids lives through mentoring – they need someone like him to look up to. We are excited about Ken coming and the English teachers are excited about the essay contest!”

Ford knows firsthand the positive effects music education has on children. He grew up in a home filled with the diverse sounds of jazz, blues, and R&B. From The Jackson Five and Earth, Wind & Fire concerts to his father's DJ gigs, Ken was immersed in music and his parents recognized a special gift in their only child at an early age. “If it wasn‟t for my parents nurturing this music talent in me, I would probably be somewhere unhappy and unfulfilled and just doing something to get by,” shares the award winning Ford. “I want to give young people that same opportunity – to experience my joy and fun in making music. It‟s always a joy for me to see the look of amazement on students and their parent‟s faces; they never knew the violin could be so cool!” For more information about The Ken Ford Foundation or to reserve your space for the benefit concert, please visit http://kenfordfoundationbenefit.eventbrite.com/.

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About The Ken Ford Foundation

The Ken Ford Foundation (KFF) focuses on enhancing academic excellence through music appreciation. It has been proven; the opportunity to study music uniquely enhances higher brain functions required for reading, mathematics, chess, science and engineering.
KFF‟s mission is to encourage generations of youth ages 5 – 18 to embrace their unique talents through an appreciation of music. The purpose of KFF is to improve youth through an appreciation of music, while fostering creativity and encouraging self-confidence.

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