Gail Anderson, President of Marin School of the Arts Foundation announced a new music fund this week to support music students who have financial needs and to encourage diversity in music education. The Mark Peabody Marin School of the Arts Music Education Fund was named to honor MSA founder and Jazz Director, Mark Peabody.
Doris Law Bagley, the retired Producer of the Marin Home Show & Benefit Jazz Fest was the first to suggest that upon Mark Peabody's retirement a fund should be set up in his name. Her donation of $3,000 will act as seed money to begin an annual fundraising campaign.
“Music education is in my heart,” says Bagley. “I have been exposed to the effects of music education. No matter how much or how little, music education is so good for students. It is so healthy.”
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For 34 years Bagley produced the annual Marin Home Show and for two decades featured The Benefit Jazz Fest, “Battle of the Bands" at that event.
Mark Peabody, then the Music Director at San Rafael High School, recognizing the need to raise funds for Marin high school music departments suggested the "Battle of the Bands" as a fundraiser. One hundred percent of the funds raised through corporate sponsorship were given to participating High School Music Departments.
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Each year the high school music department, received check ranging from $ 500 to over $1,000. Over the years a total of $100,000 was raised and given to the Marin high school music departments.
“$500 was a lot of money for a music program!” says Peabody. “Usually schools have to pay to participate in festivals, but in this case the programs got paid. Each program got a check, and that money went a long way. It was an amazing turnout, and a very fun, relaxed festival.”
From 1996 to 2001 Mark Peabody became interested in creating a school for the visual and performing arts. Novato High School was interested in the idea. Even though Peabody gave up his tenure and took a cut in pay he did so because “it would help high-level public education."
Marin School of the Arts (MSA) opened in 2003 and is an award-winning arts program attracting 500 students from across Marin and Sonoma counties and the wider Bay Area.
FUND DONATIONS: Checks to support music students with financial needs should be made out to the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) for the Mark Peabody Marin School of the Arts Music (MSA) Education Fund and addressed to Marin School of the Arts, 625 Arthur, Novato, CA 94947
RECEPTION TO HONOR MARK - MAY 29, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.: The reception will be held in the Novato High School and is open to the MSA community and guests. Mark Peabody and Dave Gregoric, current MSA Jazz Director, will present a performance by the MSA Jazz Band.
