Thank You Mr. Manilow

One of my favorite Barry Manilow songs is “Can’t Smile Without You.” Thanks to his generosity, many of our students will be smiling when they receive new clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trumpets, trombones and other instruments his foundation, The Manilow Music Project, is donating to the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Barry Manilow remembers how music education changed his life in school. He is determined to make sure that our students continue to receive that kind of instruction despite round after round of state budget cuts.  A special, first-ever solo concert Barry Manilow performed Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Hollywood Bowl raised $100,000, along with the GRAMMY Foundation, for music instruments for LAUSD students. 

I joined my old friend Barry Manilow on stage where he presented me with a $100,000 check. Music reduces dropout rates and increases graduation rates in Los Angeles as soon as you put an instrument in a student’s hand. Music and the arts are essential for a well-rounded education.

Thank you Barry Manilow for this generous donation on behalf of our students, teachers, administrators and District. Can’t smile without you.

Ramon C. Cortines, Superintendent