MacPhail music program hits a high note at Twin Cities schools amid arts funding gaps

As budgets tighten, fine arts programs in Minnesota schools often face cuts. 

The MacPhail Center for Music is helping fill these gaps in metro schools. MacPhail sends instructors and professional musicians to schools across the metro, offering workshops like the songwriting session at South High School. The program is called “Project Amplify” and it reaches up to 30 schools annually in cities such as Richfield, St. Louis Park and Burnsville. 

 “It’s a good space for me to grow myself creatively and musically,” said Adrian Swim, a senior at South participating in the workshop led by Emmy-nominated musician Barbara Cohen. 

“Project Amplify” exposes students to diverse music styles, from beatboxing to K-pop, while addressing arts funding gaps in Twin Cities schools. 

 South High School joined the program after 2022 budget cuts eliminated a full-time music teaching position and several music classes. The program provides about 40 hours of music instruction annually. 

 “They’ve said, ‘How did we get this? Why did they choose us? That’s so cool!’” said Laurie Meyers, South’s vocal music teacher. 

She noted that it helps maintain the school’s reputation for fine arts and offers more to students. 

 “Music is life-saving. It gives students a reason to come to school. It gives them ways to engage with their peers,” Meyers said. 

 Since 2022, 200 South High School students have participated in the program. Without it, some might seek lessons outside school, but many would rely on YouTube videos, missing personal interaction and instruction.
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