Music is a big part of our culture. We hear it at home on our way to work and on the streets. HOT 97 feels that children should be able to express their musical talents in the school as well. That's why we introduced the Hip-Hop Symphony Program.

HOT 97 wants to give our children the opportunity they need to become musically inclined for the start of the millennium. By donating instruments to school aged children, we can accomplish this goal.

There is a lack of funding for music programs in the Tri-State area public schools. Our goal is to try to supplement the funding to help schools that are fighting to keep their music programs alive. We feel additional funding is a way we can lend a helping hand.

In addition, scientific studies show that children who play musical instruments tend to achieve above average grades in school. So we plan on working with school districts throughout the five boroughs, to ensure our youth gets the resources needed to help them be responsible adults.

The Hip Hop Has Heart Foundation is actively continuing to fulfill it's mission - "to be responsive to the needs of and concerns of the community".

Criteria:

Thank you for your interest in the Hip-Hop Symphony Program. We appreciate your continuing support of HOT 97.

Here are the criteria we will use to determine if we can help your school. Please read over the following information very carefully:

Donations are only made to public schools in the Tri- State area with a sufficient amount of students enrolled in the music program. We will not donate instruments to individuals.

There must be a pre-existing music program that operates during normal school hours. Sorry, schools that only run their music programs after school or on weekends will not be accepted.

You must provide us with the names of the instructors available at your school trained to teach the instruments you are requesting.

Keep in mind that although we would like to help every school, unfortunately, that is not feasible. Only one school for every two months of the school year will be selected to receive instruments. Please remember that even if your school meets the above criteria, it does not guarantee that it will be chosen.

If you are interested in applying, please call 212.229.9797. And ask for the Promotions Department. Once again thank you for listening to HOT 97... Hip Hop and R&B! Click here to download the application To download the application, Right Click on the link above, and Save Target As. If you have any trouble with the download, please contact the station.