PAWTUCKET – Participants in Hasbro Inc.’s Music Matters Employee Network joined with students from the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School to perform in late September for the toy company’s annual Showcase of Stars concert fundraiser.
The concert, which took place at Machines with Magnets in Pawtucket and featured music and improv performances from the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School’s jazz fusion ensemble and Hasbro employees who are musically inclined, raised more than $2,000 to support the school’s scholarship fund.
“We’re thrilled that our Music Matters Employee Network could play alongside the R.I. Philharmonic’s youth jazz band,” said Hasbro Chairman and CEO Brian Goldner in a statement. “It’s great to see how some of our incredibly talented employees helped provide such an amazing opportunity for youth to experience the R.I. Philharmonic’s innovative music education programs.”
Proceeds from the event will provide musical instruction, from private lessons to participation in jazz, rock and youth orchestra, for local underserved students.
Hasbro is supportive of the music school in multiple ways. In the spring, a Hasbro Children’s Fund grant will allow Pawtucket elementary students to participate in Link Up education-related concerts free of charge. Students will spend the majority of the academic year learning to play the recorder in order to perform with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
