Roland was the co-sponsor for the recent BRIDGES benefit gala and concert in Seattle, in support of the Children’s Music Foundation (CMF). Founded in 2009, CMF was created exclusively to promote the study of music as an educational tool in our elementary schools, to support school music programs and to promote music in education throughout the United States.
This year’s gala was held on May 3, 2016, at Bake’s Place Bistro and Jazz Club, and was emceed by Seattle-area actor, comedy improviser and fundraising auctioneer Fred Northup. It was attended by music education supporters and rock and roll VIPs, including drummers Michael Shrieve (Santana), bassist Steve Fossen (Heart) and drummer Mike Derosier (Heart). The Seattle-based, nationally recognized Garfield High Jazz Band provided entertainment during the cocktail reception and dinner. They were followed by a live auction and performance from “America’s Got Talent” finalists The EriAm Sisters.
The auction featured many music-themed prizes, including a Start Your Own Band package of professional musical gear from Roland, including: TD-11K-S V-Drums from the V-Compact Series, with headphones and an accessory package; an ELCajon EC-10 Electronic Layered Cajon; and a JUNO-DS61 Synthesizer. The winning Start Your Own Band package bidder was Scott Batchelder, the drummer from the Seattle-based band No Rules. Additional instruments autographed by Alan White of Yes, Don Wilson of The Ventures, Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd and attending artists were among the items auctioned during the benefit.
The foundation also made a very special presentation of a second Start Your Own Band kit to Darrington Elementary School, a local school affected by the 2014 landslide tragedy in Washington. Teacher Laura Goheen—who is also a local musician and created an online musical fundraiser for victims’ families—was on hand to accept the donation, and echo the importance of music programs and foundations such as CMF in the lives of children.