Make Music Matter for Noteworthy Kids in the Northland

Helping Kids Receive Music Education Outside of School

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Outside of school there are few opportunities to fund music education for kids.

An organization has now been created in the Northland to provide financial assistance for young people with a passion for music. 

For some 8 year old’s, football pads are it. 

But, Avery Sorenson prefers the keys.

Instead of teammates, some of his best friends are the melodies he creates. 

But, there were a few flats and sharps along the board for mom, Jamie Halverson. 

“There was a period of time when we just couldn’t afford lessons,” said Halverson. 

To enroll Avery in lessons, Jamie had a difficult decision to make. 

“We decided to just cancel our cable and cancel our Internet and use that money towards his lessons every month.”

Three years after starting lessons, Avery competed in a state piano competition and Mom is happy her sacrifice was made in the right key.

“Kids shouldn’t have to be held back because of lack of income.  Why can’t an organization do this?” said Executive Director of Noteworthy Kids, Cullen Horne.

A group called Noteworthy Kids will soon provide free or reduced cost musical instruction for area children.

“It needs to be done because otherwise the arts will disappear,” Horne said.

Horne believes the need is greater now more than ever.

“The amount of kids that need and want that help right now and are qualified to get it is over 900 kids right now.”

The program will help kids across the board in more ways than one.

“Reading skills improve, math skills improve, socialization, self esteem and so many more things just because of music.”

Thanks to help from the financial notes of Noteworthy Kids, the outburst of melodies will continue in Avery’s future as he hopes to be a professional piano player one day.

A fundraiser will be held Sunday, March 22, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works to help kick start the program off the ground and on to the keys.

Jamie and Avery will both be playing at the event. 

Fox 21’s Dan Hanger will be emceeing the event.