By Tim Saunders on
Red Hot Chili Peppers bass player Flea has started a charity fundraising page on Edward Norton's Crowdrise, and is offering a prize of a signed bass guitar to one lucky donator.
“I started the Silverlake Conservatory of Music along with a couple of my friends about 10 years ago (2001)," writes Flea. "Music has been my life for as long as I can remember. When I was in high school, I was in the orchestra, marching band and musical production band. Anything to keep myself involved.
“A few years back, I had the opportunity to visit my old high school and noticed how many of the music programs were cut from when I was there. There were barely any instruments left and the music room was essentially bare. I quickly realized that there was something I could do to help out and that’s when I started the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. The mission of the Conservatory is to facilitate basic music education for the youth of the community (ages 7-17) but all are welcome and encouraged to participate.
“We’ve been working to help gain music scholarships for children in the area. Curently we have over 200 low-income (Title 1) students on scholarship, where they receive free music lessons and an instrument.
“This school has been a dream of mine for a long time. It’s the kind of place I wish there had been when I was a kid. Kids need a place to go after school and in weekends where there is a positive influence and music is something that you can just throw yourself into.
“Music saved my life and brought me great joy. Please give what you can to help send a child learn music. There are kids who really want to be here but can’t afford it. We can all help.”
Go to Flea’s Crowdrise page here. Donate $27 and you go into the draw to win a special bass guitar signed by the man himself.
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