By Laura Ferreiro
Renowned guitar amplifier manufacturer Orange Amplification is turning up the volume on free music education in schools to help offset nationwide budget cuts that are eliminating music programs in low-income communities across the U.S.
To help rectify this problem, the distinctive British amplifier brand has teamed up with national nonprofit Little Kids Rock and M4G Media to create the Orange Gives Campaign. Orange will donate $1 to Little Kids Rock every time someone posts to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #OrangeGives from March 12-16, 2014.
What’s more, anyone who includes the #OrangeGives hashtag along with a photo or video showing Orange gear – whether on stage at SXSW, in their home studio or with bands rocking out at a local club – will be entered into a drawing to win a premium Orange OR15 Amp Head.
In addition to the #OrangeGives campaign, Orange will give SXSW-goers the opportunity to demo gear at the Orange-sponsored Under the Radar day parties, March 12-14 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. 6th Street, Austin. The parties are free and open to the public—no RSVPs or badges required.
Little Kids Rock is a national nonprofit that transforms children’s lives by restoring and revitalizing music education in under-served public schools. The organization partners with school districts to train public school teachers in their innovative curriculum while donating all of the instruments and resources necessary to run rockin’ music programs.
“The future of music is Little Kids Rock,” says Alex Auxier, Artist Relations Manager for Orange Amplifiers. “Across the country music programs are losing financial support. Every lost dollar could mean another child never learns to play an instrument – a skill that can be vital to their well being. Orange Amps supports Little Kids Rock because we believe it is our obligation. Tag #OrangeGives and let’s create another generation of talented musicians together!”
Little Kids Rock counts several notable musicians among its supporters, including Metallica’s James Hetfield, Steven Van Zandt, Elvis Costello, Josh Groban, Carlos Santana and Bonnie Raitt.
“Little Kids Rock is thrilled to be partnering with Orange Amplifiers,” says Little Kids Rock Founder and Executive Director, David Wish. “Their support will help us turn up the volume in public schools across the country by bringing our free, rockin’ music education program into their kids’ lives!”
M4G Media — the consulting arm of Music for Good — worked with Orange to create a campaign that would enable the historic brand to help one of their favorite causes while also giving people the chance to experience Orange’s distinctive amps.
Whether or not you make it to SXSW, be sure to use the #OrangeGives hashtag on Twitter and Instagram from March 12-16 and Orange Amps will donate $1 to Little Kids Rock!