2012 - Celebrating Music Education

It's been a great year thanks to your support!

We wanted celebrate 2012 by sharing some stories from our donors and teachers that kept us inspired all year long.

"This instrument is old but in very good condition.  My mom got is for me, on a single income, so I could learn music and have a great school experience.  I understand how important music is...and how it can be a struggle for parents to provide instruments for their kids.  I played it all through Jr. High and High school band, marching band and pep band.  1979-1984 --Belgrade, Montana.  In that rural school at the time...we all played in band, choir, sports, drama...everything.  I'm so glad I had that opportunity and wish the same for someone else.  Music in all its forms is awesome."

Kris Ludwig, Saxophone

"My Grandfather gave the trumpet to me in 1965 when I was 8. After many hours of practice, annoying sounds, and patience by the rest of the household, we made it to first chair. After all of these years of sitting idle I hope that someone can take this trumpet back to the first chair where it belongs." 

Roger Kain, Trumpet 

"The Sunnyslope Orchestra is a growing group of young string musicians who are dedicated to playing great music. They are students who range in experience from complete beginners, to advanced students who have played for years and taken private lessons. In spite of this wide range of talent, the students come together, learn together, and create an atmosphere of cooperation. Students begin the year acting as peer tutors, welcoming in new beginning members and teaching them 'the ropes'.  Since SY '08-'09 the group has grown to 31 members. That growth is the best and worst problem for a director because we have to find instruments in a time when capital budgets (the funding used for instrument purchases) is frozen and has been for 4 years. Even when we have instruments, they are hard to keep in good repair due to the cost of strings."

Mr.LaRusch, Sunnyslope High School

You can still help provide youth music education.

Support Ear Candy Charity and donate now.

Our Story is Your Story

Stories come to life with Online Instrument Drives

We've had thousands of instruments donated to Ear Candy and placed in school music programs over the last few years. We love bringing joy to students who are eager to make music, but what one of the coolest things is letting  them know that they're part of something really special.  Every instrument has a story and when an instrument moves through our Online Instrument Drive system, we give instrument donors the opportunity to share their experience with music and tell us exactly what their instrument meant to them. Not only are they passing on their instrument, but the history that comes with it.

Andrea, our dedicated Programs Coordinator, came across one particular donor story that she wanted to share with the rest of the Ear Candy team. It is from a lovely individual who donated their Alto Saxophone to Mrs. Ramsey's school band program at ASU Prep Academy:

"My parents purchased this saxophone for me to play in 6th grade in Pendleton Oregon, a small NE town in Oregon where the Pendleton Woolen Mills started.  I played this sax through junior high school and high school.  It has been in a lot of parades and concerts, so it is use to people looking at it.  It has been in storage since the 60s. I decided to give it to a great young musician who will make beautiful music with it ... but to do that the young musician must practice a lot so the sax feels like a part of their body.  Don’t worry about it squeaking or not making a great sound at first … you will get the hang of it after a while and then you can astonish your parents and band members."

We've got so many great stories like this one and we're excited to see all of them come to life as instruments are donated and ready to be placed into the hands of a student. You can browse other requests and read more stories on the Ear Candy Instrument Request page. Then keep the beat going and be part of the conversation, let us know how music has impacted your life.

Ear Candy Playlist Vol.1: Meet the Team

At Ear Candy, we're an eclectic team brought together by a passion for music education and an enthusiasm for the arts. To keep spirits up in the office there is always a tune or two playing and so to get to know the Ear Candy team we wanted to share with you some of the songs we're loving at the moment.

Nate
Founder & Executive Director


The National | England
Dave Matthews Band | Proudest Monkey
The Black Keys | Sinister Kid





Ian
Strategic Development Director


Avett Brothers | I & Love & You
Lumineers | Stubborn Love
Matt Pond PA | It's Not So Bad at All

Herb
Operations Director

Kings of Leon | Back Down South
Warren Haynes | Man in Motion
Little Feat | Let it Roll






Andrea
Program Coordinator

Stevie Nicks | I Love Rock 'n' Roll
Doobie Brothers | Drift Away
Kansas  | Carry On Wayward Son

Amy
Events Captain


Tiffany | I Think We're Alone Now
New Kids on the Block | Hangin' Tough
Sir Mix-a-Lot | Baby Got Back




Laura
Communications Specialist


Of Monsters and Men | Little Talks
The National | Fake Empire
The Shins | New Slang





Taylor
Development Assistant


Falls | The Ambassador
New Found Glory | Hit or Miss
Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights | Gypsy Woman

Put Down the Briefcase, Pick Up the Bass

Music lovers are everywhere. Many of them take on full-time work as doctors, lawyers, accountants, bankers, insurance brokers and yes, even as your company's IT professional. Starting this fall, Ear Candy is hosting, Weekend Warriors, a monthly Rock & Roll concert series at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Phoenix. The evening will bring musicians and music enthusiasts together for a night of fun and philanthropy. The featured bands playing each month are principally made up of working professionals in the valley who have happily traded in the corporate gear for musical instruments.
We spoke briefly to Vice President and General Counsel for General Dynamics, and band member of Retro Active, Devon Engel to ask him about his involvement with the Weekend Warriors event.


What's so special about music for you?
Why is it important to participate in events like Weekend Warriors?

In fifth grade, I was given the opportunity to learn to play the bass. Today, as a 46 year old General Counsel of a large company, playing rock and roll on the weekends provides a tremendous amount of stress relief and balance to my life.  

It is important to me that kids in our community who can’t afford their own instruments be given the opportunity I was given to make music a part of their lives.  That is why I volunteer and support Ear Candy and why my band Retro-Active is excited to be a part of Ear Candy’s inaugural Weekend Warrior Concert Series.

The first concert will take place on Saturday, October 13 and will feature Retro-Active (a 80s, 90s and 2K cover band) and Pearl Ridge (Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge tribute band).
There is a $5.00 suggested donation at the door.


Save the date and join us for our first Weekend Warriors Concert:

Saturday, October 13th, 2012 

7:00 pm - 10:30 pm Hard Rock Cafe (3 South 2nd Street #117 Phoenix, AZ 85004)

See our events pages on the Ear Candy website to learn more about the Weekend Warrior Concert Series and check out our event page on Facebook for a list of the bands performing and to RSVP.

SET ONE - 7:30pm Retro-Active 

SET TWO - 9:15 pm Pearl Ridge

"It Takes a Village"

As the band director, Mr. Klaessy has seen his music program grow from 70 students to 280 over the last four years. Although interest in band and music is on the rise at Andalucia Middle school, adequate resources for supplies and instruments haven't exactly been on par. His band is in need of brass and woodwinds and he has made requests for a Tuba, French Horn, Flute and Bass.

Mr. Klaessey's is only one of the many requests that have come in to Ear Candy's Online Instrument Drive system. At Trailside Point School in Laveen, Arizona Mr. Brownfield is waiting for a flute, clarinet, and two trumpets. Like so many other schools, the kids are eager to participate in their music program but neither schools nor parents can afford to rent or buy instruments. With six students on the waiting list for to borrow a school owned instrument, Mr. Brownfield and the Trailside Point Panther band needs your help!

But HOW can you help, you ask?

You've heard the phrase, "it takes a village", and at Ear Candy we rely on the support of the community to fulfill our mission and it's easy to be part of the process to place instruments into the hands of students. If you have an instrument collecting dust in the closet, you could search the requests and decide at what school you would like your instrument placed.

And we know what you're thinking, "I LOVE MY INSTRUMENT!"

Of course you love it and we know how hard it can be to part with an instrument that has been an important part of your life. But knowing the impact it makes when it gets new life is an equally great feeling. Your instrument is going to be put into the hands of a student who is just as passionate about music and your instrument will get to continue to give the gift of music, year after year.

Check out a story that was covered by AZ 3TV News, where Erica donated her violin to Coronado High School student, Desiree:



But if you don't have an instrument living with dust bunnies in your home, fear not. You can STILL help. Once we find instruments to be placed, we need the help of individuals like you, to pledge funds to get the instruments repaired and shipped.

You can learn more and view all of our active teacher requests in the Online Instrument Drive System, here.

All Systems GO!

Online Instrument Drive (OID) Ready for Launch: Monday, September 17, 2012

Online Instrument Drives (OID) Music Teacher Request

From the start, Ear Candy Charity has been dedicated to providing youth access to music education. After a year of planning and preparation, we’re excited for the launch our Online Instrument Drives (OID) system on Monday, September 17, 2012. 

Support for music education in schools is disappearing, leaving thousands of youth without access to the educational benefits it offers. Even as interest in band and music programs grow, it can be difficult for music teachers to adapt to these growing pains when working with so few resources. One of the biggest difficulties they face is a lack of instruments. The OID system is a resource to connect music teachers and their students with the millions of perfectly good instruments collecting dust around the country.

In the past Ear Candy provided donated instruments by conducting physical instrument drives at fire stations throughout the Phoenix area. This model worked well on a local level, but we wanted to devise a program model that would enable us to place donated instruments in any music program in the country. We turned to technology and the web, developing Online Instrument Drives, an easy to use donation platform hosted on Ear Candy’s website.

Online Instrument Drives connects music teachers and their students with instruments and financial donors in the community. The process starts when a music teacher posts an instrument request. Over the last few months we’ve gathered requests from across Maricopa County, from music teachers like Mrs. Bruso at Sunset Elementary School. Recognizing the dedication and passion for music in her students, her request for a flute, cornet, viola, and clarinet comes from the desire to not have to turn away any more students from her program because of a lack of instruments.

At Ed & Verma Pastor Elementary School, Mr. Lopez’s band is in need of trombones. The program has grown exponentially over the last three years from 28 to130 students. Being part of the band has been a source of pride and joy for so many students at the school, it has motivated Mr. Lopez to find the resources his program needs to thrive and continue to have a positive impact.

On Monday, when system goes live for the first time, these requests will be visible and you can browse requests, see pictures of students and read about each music program’s need. Instrument and financial donors are then empowered to decide which music program(s) to support, and have the assurance of knowing exactly where their donation is going.

Even if you don’t have an instrument to donate, you can still help by pledging to cover repair and shipping costs to get the instrument to the school. Crowdfunding is built into the OID process by leveraging social networks to secure small donations from a large number of donors. Music teachers, students, donors, and supporters in the community contribute to the success of a request by using built-in social media share tools to broadcast appeals for support. This is the same fundraising strategy DonorsChoose.org used to raise over 32.7 million dollars in support of classroom projects in 2011.

From start to finish, the instrument donation process is transparent, interactive and engaging for all parties involved. At the same time, it captures and shares the stories of music teachers, students, instrument donors, and financial donors involved in the process.

We have an obligation to ensure the next generation has the opportunity to embrace and benefit from music education. Let’s continue to help get instruments into the hands of students that need them the most. On Monday, September 17, 2012 check out the website to view requests and see how you can be part of the solution: Ear Candy OID

Celebrity Sightings at Ear Candy

Things have been a little crazy at the Ear Candy office lately. We’ve been busy, but that isn’t to say that we haven’t been able to still have some fun. While we’re elbow deep into our Indiegogo Online Giving Campaign and close to losing our minds (not really -- but it's been busy), one thing we do know is, we haven't lost our sense of humor. We got creative and filmed a few short Celebrity Impersonation PSAs that we thought you would enjoy.

The first in the series is from the rock group, Nickelback's front man, Chad Kroeger. Chad has been making a few headlines with rumors of his new romance with fellow Canadian and pop princess Avril Lavigne, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have time to stop by the office and give some rock star support to Ear Candy:

Don't forget to post the video to your social networking sites. Share it with friends to help remind them about that Nickelback phase they went through. And be sure to include some of the lyrics to "Rockstar" in your post. We know they'll love you more for it. 

The second video in our series of PSAs comes from the young heroine of the new Disney Pixar film, Brave. While our video isn’t set in the scenic foothills of Scotland, we found an equally dangerous and magical parking lot that seemed to do the trick. With fiery red hair and brave smile, "Princess Merida" is determined to save music education.

We hope you enjoyed these first two gems. Stay tuned for more Celebrity Impersonation PSAs coming your way really soon.

I Run For...

Thousands of athletes continue to participate in races annually, but charity running has created an even greater boom in the popularity of endurance sports. Runners looking to give meaning to their races and training bring in millions of dollars to support varying causes each year. P.F. Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Arizona alone, has a list of over ten charities to choose from, all of which are worthy causes to support.

Reasons for choosing a specific charity to support differs from person to person, but one of the biggest draws is a personal connection. For those that run to beat cancer, many run in honor of loved ones who have passed or in celebration of those who continue to fight. Individuals will have their support decorated on shirts, plastered on signs, or even have it written all over their body. After all, when it's written all over your arm, it's impossible to not stay motivated during every mile of your race.

When I decided to join the Rock the Run team and raise money for Ear Candy Charity, one of the first things I asked myself, was "who or what would I run for?" I'm by no means a musician, nor am I parent or an educator,but I still knew that music education was so important to me. But I needed to figure how music was going to motivate me. What was my connection to music education?

For me, I'm always looking for the things in life that can bring us as people all together. There are language barriers and cultural differences that can sometimes set us apart, but there are also many universal ways of communicating that can link us back, such as through non-verbal activities like sport, dance, movement, and...music. For many young students, music is a way to express themselves. If we really want kids to develop their own voice, we need to let them use it in whatever form possible even if it's through learning chords, playing notes and reading sheet music.

So I'm running in honor of the musicians, the parents, and the educators who believe in music education for children. Most of all, I'm running in celebration of my own parents, who listened with the utmost patience while 'Three Blind Mice' was played on my recorder on repeat, who drove me to and from piano lessons, and most of all, who taught me to love music.

Who would you run for? It's not too late to sign up to run as part of Ear Candy's Rock the Run team. We have an upcoming information meeting coming up, come out and meet fellow team coaches and team members, and get all your questions answered.

Rock the Run Informational Meeting:
Thursday September 13, 2012 (5:30 - 7:00 pm)
Ear Candy Office (200 E Curry Road, Lower Level Tempe, AZ 85281).

MUSIC TO MY EARS Party!

THE PLACE TO BE LABOR DAY WEEKEND - Join us for an irresistible music-centric celebration! This exciting annual event will be a combination of Concert & Saturday Night Party featuring LIVE Bands, DJ, silent auction, raffle prizes, exhibitors, cocktail specials and delicious food menu at a beautiful 29,000 square foot multi-level venue. Created with a focus on discovering local talented musicians while benefiting a very worthy local non-profit music organization - Mix and Mingle in the Magical Moments of Music!

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT ON STAGE (Performing both cover & original music):

8:30 PM: LEA CAPPELLI – (www.leacappelli.com) – Combining the rich textures of Billie Holiday with the modern day quirky twists of Fiona Apple, Lea’s sound is unmistakably organic. Apart from her amazing music, with renowned acting abilities and a steady flow of high fashion modeling, Lea is an undeniable ‘triple threat.’ Lea truly is one of the more dynamic young performers to emerge in recent years.

9:45 PM: SCOTI*SLATE – (www.scotislate.com) - Aaron Scoti (Lead Vocals) and Lars Slate (Guitar) along with drummer Derek Upton is a sleek, funk rockin' power trio focused on songwriting and musicianship creating a uniquely familiar sound that is undeniably sexy, soulful even danceable. They add a refreshingly distinctive twist to the cover songs they select that complement their own fabulous originals.

All Night: DJ MASURU – One of the Valley’s favorites will be spinning a great blend of Classic & Current well loved music for your listening and dancing pleasure. He’ll be performing before, in between, and after the bands with his hard to find mixes, and out-of-the-box style, always presenting something new.

AMENTITIES:

• $5 Smirnoff Vodka Cocktail Specials

• Signature ‘EAR CANDY’ Vodka Cocktail (proceeds go to the Charity)

• Special Food Menu Available

• Silent Auction

• Vendors/Exhibitors

• Plenty of Self-Parking (street & parking structure across the street from the venue)

THE CHARITY:

Ear Candy Charity is a Tempe, Arizona based non-profit dedicated to fulfilling its mission of Providing Youth Access to Music Education.  Ear Candy impacts youth through three programs; Online Instrument Drives (a web-based service to place donated instruments in low-income music programs), Play it Forward (‘Instrument Drive in a Box’ service learning program for community groups), and BackStage Class (enlightening music based field trips).  To learn more, visit: www.EarCandyCharity.ORG.

SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE DRAWINGS:

We’ll have some very unique and exciting merchandise for guests to bid on or win. Many of them will be very diverse musical or entertainment treasures such as an Eric Clapton Package which includes DVD, CD, tour t-shirt, and limited edition litho from Crossroads, an autographed guitar from The Fray, a limited "Grease" poster signed by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta, a Jazz Package which includes CDs and tour shirts, Lady GaGa, Taylor Swift, and much more. The chance to participate in our auction and raffles will end at 10 p.m.

FEATURED EXHIBITORS: 

• Society for the Arts is a 501 (c) (3) membership organization established in 1986 for singles supporting theatre, music, arts and culinary in the Phoenix area. Funds are raised through social activities. To learn more, visit www.societyforthearts.org.

• Tri-City Audiology, LLC provides hearing conservation and protection for musicians. We specialize in custom fitted ear molds ad in-ear monitors. We can provide real time measures of sound exposure through dosimetry. To learn more, visit www.tri-cityaudiology.com

• Designated Drivers, Inc. offers business and individuals a sensible alternative to driving while impaired. Their services provide designated drivers to transport clients safely in their own vehicle. Designated Drivers also has a non-profit foundation that raises funds to provide free rides during special holiday seasons and events. To learn more, visit www.designateddriversinc.com

OUR SPONSORS:

Copy Rescue – Jim West – 602.708.0375

Brett Noe Productions - Event Videographer - www.brettnoe.com

Creamy Radio – From the Mainstream to the Indie Scene - www.creamyradio.com

Insight Management – Public Relations & Marketing – 480-951-1882

Kandid Moments Photography - Event Photographer - www.kandidmomentsphotography.com

One Louder Designs – Creatively unique Graphic Design - www.onelouderdesigns.com

THE VENUE:

The Venue of Scottsdale is 29,000 square feet of spacious multi-level, newly renovated live concert facility complete with retractable roof. The Venue is a great combination of elegance and fun and has played host to many national legendary musical artists for the past decade. Their sound system, lighting, staff and service make it one of the best places to rock out to your favorite band. To learn more, visitwww.thevenuescottsdale.com.

ADMISSION (Net proceeds to benefit Ear Candy Charity):

$10 per person with online Advance Tickets: www.ravenevents.com/musictomyears

$15 per person at the door

This event was created, produced, promoted and hosted by www.RavenEvents.com. For more information, call 480.664.0228. You must be 21 years or older to attend.

EVENT WEBSITE LINK: http://www.ravenevents.com/MonthlyEvents/09012012

Why I Chose to Run in 4/4 Time

This is a guest post from one of our Rock the Run participants, Tony Darling. Tony will be running in the P.F. Chang's Full Marathon on January 20, 2013. Support Tony as he trains & fundraises with Ear Candy Charity's Rock the Run Team.

This January I will be participating in my 7^th marathon.  I started running nine years ago as a way to lose weight and get healthy.  I ran a couple of half marathons and decided to move up to the full marathon.  I think my thoughts were similar to most beginner runners:  It should only be twice as hard to run a marathon as a half marathon.  WRONG!!  Well maybe “hard” is a little strong. “Challenging” might be a better word choice.  In 2007 I ran the Chicago Marathon in 90 degree heat and had a great time. (“Great” being a relative term.)  The crowd’s reaction to the 35,000+ runners taking to the streets was so amazing.  Chicago is the only marathon I have participated in that I did not raise money for charity.   I decided to run for charities because I wanted to make the 26.2 mile journey something bigger than myself.  I chose each charity because I personally knew someone whose family was affected by the disease or issue.

This year I chose to run for Ear Candy Charity because it supports an issue and cause that I am very passionate about:  Youth Music.  It allows me to combine two of my favorite things: running and music.  It seems hard to believe but I started playing trombone 38 years back in Aurora, IL.  I remember wanting to play the trumpet but my band director knew I would be getting braces in the future so he thought the trombone might be easier once they were on.  I remember playing “Mambo from the Congo” in my first concert like it was yesterday.  I attended music camps in Junior High and went on to major in Music Business at the University of Southern Mississippi.  

Music has always been a part of my life.  Instead of ringing bells as a kid, my family and friends played Christmas carols at the Salvation Army kettle.  It has allowed me to play before thousands of West Aurora and Southern Miss football and basketball fans as well as perform with my high school jazz band when we were the opening act for Buddy Rich and band.  I have walked in many a parade both in Junior High and High School as well as a member of Legion and community bands.  Most of my closest friends I have are the ones that I performed with during my time in school.

The joy that I get from performing, whether marching on the football field on a Saturday afternoon or in an auditorium is not something you can describe, you have to experience it. (just like running a marathon)  That is why I chose to run 26.2 miles for Ear Candy  I want to give someone else the opportunity to have a chance to make not only music, but memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. 

“Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of it’s virtue.”

-       Plato 

Let Music Be Their Guide

Our latest Backstage Class took place on August 1, 2012, where a group of students had the chance to tour the US Airways Center and meet The Fray. 

After the class, one of our Board members, Maria Brunner, received this email from a student:
"I want to thank you for this amazing opportunity. I really enjoyed your presentation and the time you took out of your busy schedule to see us.

This entire experience was very inspiring for me especially. Seeing a touring band that got famous out of a small town is really going to make me strive to find stardom.The tour itself was also fantastic! I really got a taste of the spectacular things that go on behind the scenes. I think my favorite part of the tour was the ticketing office. I never realized how much work goes into ticketing alone. Overall, the U.S. Airways tour was great.

Finally, my most memorable experience, was meeting The Fray. They were incredibly nice and they answered all the questions in such an enthusiastic way. I really liked the fact they were doing autographs and photos. I even got one with the drummer (which is my instrument) and that was truly exhilarating.

 Once again, I want to thank everyone who put this together, especially Ear Candy Charity, thank you."

"Let Music Be Their Guide" - taken in downtown Phoenix

With the recent launch of our Online Giving Campaign on Indiegogo.com, things at the Ear Candy office have been a little crazy, to say the least. But in the middle of all the madness, this short note from a student served as a great way to remind us exactly why, we do what we do. We strive to fulfill our mission to provide youth access to music education. We want ALL students to have the opportunity to be positively impacted by the benefits that music education provides. But we know we can't do it alone. We are humbled by the amount of support and encouragement we have received so far, but we've still got a long way to go.

We have a short amount of time to reach our goal of $25,000 to support of our Online Instrument Drives Program. We're trying to expand the Ear Candy family. You can help us by:

1) Sharing the campaign with your social networks using the share tools at Indiegogo.com/EarCandy (located directly under the campaign video) - click the 'like' button, type in a personalized message and post to your Facebook.

2) Sending a personalized email or make a phone call to friends, family and colleagues who you think might have an interest in the campaign and would be willing to share it with their networks.

 Remember that every little bit helps. Let's make sure that every child has access to music so the world doesn't lose out on the next John, Ringo, Paul, or George!

Ear Candy on IndieGogo

Our challenge is simple. Ear Candy has 30 days to raise $25,000. We know we can do it, we’re  going to need just a little bit of luck and a whole lot of help. So we’re calling all music teachers, musicians, and music lovers alike to help support Ear Candy’s mission to equip, empower, and enlighten youth through music.

From August 15 to September 14, 2012, Ear Candy will run an online giving campaign on the popular crowdfunding site, Indiegogo (www.Indiegogo.com/EarCandy). There is a good chance that you’ve already heard of  Indiegogo, a fundraising platform that allows individuals or organizations to share their story and raise money to support everything from an independent project, a cause, or a campaign. But Indiegogo is also a place where people can go to get involved in the things they are passionate about and where communities can come together and show their support. At Ear Candy, we’re passionate about providing youth access to music education.

In the past two decades, funding for music education has seen serious cuts nationwide, especially in Arizona. Since 2008, Ear Candy has helped to give new life to old instruments collecting dust in closets and helped to put them in the hands of students who need them the most. Currently thousands of youth in Arizona cannot participate in music education because neither their parents, nor their schools, can afford to purchase or rent an instrument for them to play.

Meeting our goal of $25,000, will ensure they have the funding we need to launch and operate our newest program, Online Instrument Drives. Ear Candy has spent the past year and a half building Online Instrument Drives from scratch on a shoestring budget, hoping to build on the success of their physical instrument collection drives, which resulted in thousands of instruments placed and tens of thousands of students impacted. With their innovative online system, Ear Candy wants to expand their reach where they can place an instrument donated from anywhere in the country in any music program in Arizona.

The benefits of music education, spanning from improved academics across the board to enhanced social skills, are far too numerous to deny any student the opportunity, especially when financial circumstances outside of their control hinder access.We encourage you to learn more about the work that Ear Candy is doing to support access to music education and hope that you will help share this with friends and colleagues. YOUR compassionate support for this campaign will ensure Ear Candy has the funds it needs to launch and operate Online Instrument Drives on September 17th, 2012.

If you’ve been inspired to help but are still unsure about where to start, read our 5 Ways YOU Can Help Ear Candy post for some ideas!

5 Ways YOU Can Help Ear Candy

During the 30 days of Ear Candy’s online giving campaign on Indiegogo (August 15th - September 14th), showing your support for Ear Candy is easier than you think. In fact, it’s so easy that we’ve come up with a list of FIVE ways you can help.

1) Five words
Old instruments get new life! Let these five simple words inspire you. It is Ear Candy’s mission to provide youth access to music education. By reaching our goal of $25,000 we’ll have the funds needed to launch our newest program, Online Instrument Drives. We’ll be able to gather teacher requests and collect instrument donations in quicker and more efficient manner. This will allow us to then place them in the hands of those who need them the most, the students!

2) Five minutes
What we need help with most is making sure that we’re getting the word out about our program and our campaign (http://www.Indiegogo.com/EarCandy). All that takes is five minutes to help Ear Candy. Share your story about why music and music education is important to you.

3) Five of your favorite sites
Share on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Tumblr (did we miss any?). I’m sure the list could go on, so choose your favorite FIVE and post, tweet, and pin to help us get the word out.

4) Five friends
Tell five friends about Ear Candy and our online giving campaign. Get each of them to go and tell five of their friends (who will tell five of their friends) and just keep the message going.

5) Or how about just $5?  
Maybe you can forgo your usual five dollar footlong for lunch or skip that venti vanilla latte this morning. Every dollar counts, so even saving your change from one indulgence out of the week can makes a difference. But if you’re really up for a challenge, try to go FIVE days without it! And don’t forget to tell us what you’re giving up in order to give and we promise to make it up to you with some love on social media.

That’s it. Now wash, rinse, and repeat! Ear Candy’s Indiegogo campaigns runs from August 15, 2012 to September 14, 2012, so for the next 30 days we hope you'll help us make some noise!

5th Annual San Tan Brewing OKTOBERFEST

Dust off your lederhosen, it is that time of the year again.

The 5th Annual San Tan Brewing Oktoberfest is happening on Saturday September 29, 2012 from 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm in downtown Chandler. The festival will be located in AJ Chandler Park across from San Tan Brewing Company at 3 S. San Marcos Place, between Arizona Avenue and Buffalo Street.

What better way then get into the festivities than by being an official Oktoberfest volunteer! You can help with event set up, help at the box office, or work a beverage table giving thirsty patrons their delicious craft beer.

For more details about how you can get involved see our info page on the Ear Candy website: Oktoberfest 2012

A portion of the proceeds raised from the Oktoberfest event will be donated to Ear Candy Charity. Helping out, having fun, and supporting a good cause are all in a day's work. Cheers!