Today, The Drake Gives, in partnership with Save The Music Foundation, presents a community-wide celebration of the power of music at Katella High School in Anaheim, CA. “The Drake Gives Student Showcase” is a free event featuring inspiring musical performances by students from Anaheim Union High School District and Garden Grove Unified School District with testimonials and spoken word from parents, teachers, district leaders, music education advocates, and community members.
The celebration will honor over 100 students, showcasing their incredible talents and demonstrating why music in schools is essential for growth and community-building!
All schools performing are funded by The Drake Gives, a longstanding partner with Save The Music. “We are deeply honored to be recognized for our work in bringing music education to students across Orange County,” said Alec Glasser, founder of The Drake Gives. “Music has the power to develop creative, social and cognitive skills, and improve focus and follow through, our mission is to ensure that every child—regardless of their background—has access to that opportunity. Seeing these students grow and thrive through music is the greatest reward, and we are grateful to be part of their journey.”
School Music Grant type features include: Elementary Intro to Music, Middle School Core Band, and High School Music Tech.
Event Start: 11 a.m.
Event End: 12:15 p.m.
About Alec Glasser and The Drake Gives
Alec Glasser, Founder of The Drake restaurant in Laguna Beach learned to play the saxophone in public school at age 12. That experience profoundly shaped his life in ways he never dreamed possible - his wish is for kids of all ages to have access to music education. When The Drake restaurant opened in Laguna in 2019, he launched a “give back” initiative, which led to the creation of The Drake Gives in 2021. This 501(c)(3) foundation provides underserved public school youth with music education, instruments, and resources, ensuring every child, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, can experience the transformative power of music. Learn more HERE.
About Save The Music:
Save The Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) music education nonprofit that helps students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music. For more than 25 years, Save The Music (STM) has addressed systemic inequities in music education by investing in culturally rich communities across the U.S. Since its inception, STM has garnered a four-star/99 out of 100 Charity Navigator rating, and has donated more than $75M worth of instruments and technology to more than 2,800 schools, impacting the lives of millions of students. The organization is further committed to driving innovation by offering K-12 programming, with Music Technology and Career Pathways as a new focus. Learn more at savethemusic.org.
About Anaheim Union High School District:
The Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) continues to lead in innovation and student success, serving over 27,000 students in grades 7-12 across five cities. As a recognized leader in arts education, more than half of AUHSD students participate in award-winning visual and performing arts programs, engaging in hands-on creative experiences across a diverse range of courses. Named one of the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education five years in a row, the district remains committed to fostering artistic excellence and ensuring the arts are a vital part of student life. Beyond the arts, AUHSD prioritizes career preparedness with over 70 career pathways, including cutting-edge programs in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity, and is California’s first Democracy School District. Visit www.auhsd.us for more information.
About Garden Grove Unified School District: Garden Grove Unified School District encompasses 28 square miles of territory, serving most of Garden Grove and portions of six surrounding cities - Anaheim, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Stanton, and Westminster. With more than 37,000 students and approximately 6,000 employees, GGUSD is the third largest school district in Orange County. To ensure student success, GGUSD provides a rigorous and supportive academic experience that motivates all learners to meet high expectations. GGUSD teachers and staff share an unwavering commitment to ensure all students are equipped with the academic and personal skills for lifelong success. Students receive a high quality education at our award-winning schools. GGUSD is a leader in college and career readiness with a greater number of students meeting rigorous college entrance exams than other districts in the state or county. GGUSD has an exceptional Visual and Performing Arts Program and the district has received the Best Communities Education Award from the National Association of Music Merchants for the sixth consecutive year. Visit https://ggusd.us for more information.
