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Dressed in sharp black and gold uniforms with a wall banner proclaiming “we believe, we achieve”, the Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School Symphonic and Marching Band celebrated their latest achievement – an invitation to represent the State of Michigan at the upcoming American Celebration of Music in Beijing, China. Playing a classic Motown song by the Temptations, the band proclaimed, “Get ready, ‘cause here I come.”

With help from three local foundations, the band is $75,000 closer to meeting their fundraising goal of $250,000 for the trip. The grant was announced March 26 in the band room at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School to the delight of students, their band leader and representatives from The Kresge Foundation, the Skillman Foundation and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

The celebration was a powerful example to the community of foundation commitment and collaboration. All three foundations support community development in Detroit and saw this combined grant as a unique opportunity to highlight the city and its accomplished students.

This special, one-time grant from Kresge is the first gift to be made from the new President’s Discretionary Fund.

“The City of Detroit and the State of Michigan can be proud to have these highly accomplished young men and women represent us on the world stage,” said Rip Rapson, president of the foundation. “We salute their creativity, their passion and their determination and call on others in the community to join us in supporting the Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School Band in this important and life-altering adventure.”

Music Celebrations International invited the Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School Symphonic and Marching Band to participate in the July 1-7 festival based on recommendations from music officials, past achievements and current superior ratings. In Beijing, band members will participate in performances, sightseeing, cultural exchanges and other cultural activities. Members have been raising money for months and still need an additional $38,000 to reach their goal.

“Here in Michigan, the foundation is deeply committed to the long-term strength and vitality of Detroit and the surrounding region,” said Michelle Johnson, program associate who represented the Kresge Foundation at the announcement. Addressing the students, Johnson said, “You are the future leaders of Detroit and the State of Michigan. When you perform in China, in this important international arena, you will be our ambassadors.”

For more information, contact the Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School at 313.566.2440.