The Mockingbird Foundation (a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and raising funds to support music education in schools) announced the other day that they’re starting a Phish Reunion Fund for Music Education.
The Phish Reunion Fund will be maintained in an interest-bearing account, separate from other Foundation assets, and will be distributed for the benefit of music education for children programs (in accordance with the Foundation’s guidelines and mission) after whichever of the following events occurs first: (1) it is announced that >PHISH will perform one complete public show (or more) as an entire band; (2) the Foundation announces, for whatever reason, that it is dissolving; or (3) [heavens forbid!] a band member dies, in which case the reunion fund will become a Memorial Fund in honor of the life of the deceased.
The foundation has provided a lot of support to music education programs around the country. Please support their efforts as music education (and any arts education) is an important aspect of a well rounded education. I would not be the person I am today without the musical education I received when I was in school (I play(ed) the clarinet in band, and wasn’t too shabby either). Music and art classes are the first to go when the budget gets tight. While I fully understand the emphasis on math, science, and reading/writing/literature, music and art should not be forgotten.
If you like Phish (or any type of rock music) consider buying the Sharin’ in the Groove tribute album if you can’t donate to the foundation (or need something in return for your donation). The album is not your standard tribute album. The artists are actually artists who influenced Phish in some way, rather than vice versa. Many of the songs are a different take on some of the classic Phish tunes, and all proceeds from the album go to the Mockingbird Foundation.
Glad to see someone is staying on top of things.