Music for Lifelong Achievement (MFLA) Announces a Very Special Partnership with Horns to Havana,

Music for Lifelong Achievement (MFLA) is pleased to announce a very special partnership with Horns to Havana, a non-profit organization based out of The Center For Cuban Studies in New York City. Throughout February and March, 2011, MFLA will team up with Horns to Havana to collect used musical instruments to be delivered to students in and around Havana, Cuba in the Fall of 2011. Instrument donations will be accepted at any Sheldon Concert Hall performance during the months of February and March, as well as at The Sheldon's administrative offices during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., or during public gallery hours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Music for Lifelong Achievement is the first organization in the country to partner with Horns to Havana on this project. The goal is to provide a full set of jazz band instruments to each of four schools: Manuel Saumell Conservatory, Amadeo Roldan Conservatory, Guillermo Tomas Bouffaratigue Music Conservatory and Esccuela Nacional de Arte, all based in Cuba. Diane Raines Ward of Horns to Havana states, "American jazz and the music of Cuba have been interwoven ever since the dawn of the twentieth century. Both have roots that lead back to Europe and Africa; each has always influenced the other. By helping to fulfill the dreams of aspiring young Cuban musicians, we hope to strengthen those ties."

"The Sheldon and our Music for Lifelong Achievement program here in St. Louis are proud to partner with Horns to Havana to provide instruments for disadvantaged young musicians in Havana, Cuba," says Sheldon Executive Director Paul Reuter. "Music is important to the lives of young people everywhere and we're especially happy to foster connections between our cultures and the people in both countries."

The Center for Cuban Studies is a non-profit, tax exempt educating institution in New York City with a national member ship base. Founded in 1972, it is dedicated to providing information about contemporary Cuba and contributing to a normalization of relations between Cuba and the United States. The Center serves as a vital communication link between the U.S. and Cuba through its publications, organized travel to Cuba, lectures and film series, exchange programs and art projects. www.hornstohavana.org

The mission of Music For Lifelong Achievement, a non-profit organization based at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, Missouri, is to "Keep the Music Playing" in the lives of young people throughout the St. Louis area and beyond. MFLA seeks donations of used and new musical instruments, then donates the instruments to school and community music programs serving disadvantaged students. Music for Lifelong Achievement also raises funds for instrument repair and musical accessories. Visit www.supportmfla.org for more information.

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