Los Angeles (July 20, 2006) - The Music Center, Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County has been awarded a $1 million grant from The Skirball Foundation of New York City.

Music Center President Stephen D. Rountree said, "The Skirball Foundation's multi-year grant will enable the Center to continue our commitment to serving schools, children and teachers, and deepen our impact in districts and schools that are ready to implement quality arts education programs." He continued, "In recognition and thanks for this extremely generous gift we are naming the Music Center's Artist-Teacher Partnership Program after the Skirball Foundation's founder Jack H. Skirball. "The Skirball Artist-Teacher Partnership Program" will bring Music Center teaching artists to schools to collaborate with classroom teachers in strengthening instruction in the arts."

Dr. Uri D. Herscher, a Skirball Foundation Trustee said, "Since 1979-when the Music Center established its now nationally recognized education program-the Center has been responding to the evolving role of the arts in the classroom. The Skirball Foundation is pleased to support the Music Center as it provides leadership to advance the quality and scope of arts education as an integral part of the core curriculum in Los Angeles County Schools."

"The Skirball Foundation's multi-year commitment will enable us to achieve our potential in serving schools, students and teachers within the context of today's arts learning priorities and opportunities." said Mark Slavkin, the Music Center's Vice President for Education. "We are grateful that The Skirball Foundation's commitment will help us maintain the artistic excellence and educational integrity that have always been hallmarks of our educational programs. This specific partnership will also enable us to adapt and respond to the school community's need for effective models of classroom instruction in the arts." Slavkin continued.