February 6, 2008 > Cheers for Twenty Years Cheers for Twenty Years By Mona Shah Music for Minors II (MFMII) marks 20 years of service to the community with a concert for adults featuring two internationally renowned recording artists, Red Grammer and Charlotte Diamond. From a single docent in 1986, to becoming a nonprofit establishment in 1988 and a significant expansion thereafter, MFMII currently reaches over 4,000 children with weekly music instruction. Responding to the lack of funding for the fine arts in our schools, MFMII has been keeping music alive in Fremont, Newark, and Castro Valley School Districts since 1988. Approximately 90 trained MFMII community volunteer docents present weekly music lessons in singing, dance, and instrumentation. Celebrating its volunteers and program growth by reuniting past and present volunteers, this concert is a MFMII primary fundraiser expanding to reach the maximum children in need. Research has shown that music education in pre-school and elementary school years greatly benefits students in many areas of their academic and cognitive development. Independent research companies confirm that lessons in singing and instrumental music at school usually bring financial success and increased self-confidence. Red Grammer is one of the premier entertainers of children and families in America. Described by Parent's Magazine as "the best voice in children's music," Red has set the gold standard for writing and performing music that playfully reconnects each one of us with the best in ourselves. Combining one of the truly great voices in the business with an unerring sense of performance and play, Red's live concerts delight all audiences, young and old. Charlotte Diamond is a nationally renowned children's recording artist - a former teacher who used her teacher's stipend to began a singing career 20 years ago. Multi-lingual and creative, this artist hails from Canada and has recorded several Parent Choice winning CD's and videos entertaining children and building their self-esteem and academics with creative, fun-loving music. Cheers for Twenty Years Saturday, February 9 7 p.m. Reception and Silent Auction 8 p.m. Red Grammer and Charlotte Diamond in Concert 9 p.m. Awards, Recognition, Cake and Champagne Toast Washington Township Veterans' building 37154 Second Street, Fremont (510) 733-1189 www.musicforminors2.org Tickets $45 per person