Anthony J. Sylvester, Trustee to the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, announced the multi-year sponsorship renewal of School Groove by GMPF during his visit to WWOZ and after a live performance by Edna Karr High School, one of the many schools that participate in the program. "We are delighted to continue our partnership with WWOZ and renew our commitment to School Groove," stated Mr. Sylvester.

Check out School Groove episodes

WWOZ General Manager, Beth Arroyo Utterback, says, "We are grateful for this renewal commitment by the Gia Maione Prima Foundation. It will allow us to continue to provide area students with this incredible, unforgettable experience, as well as provide worldwide exposure for the young musicians of New Orleans."

Each month, WWOZ provides a platform for talented young music students on our School Groove program. School Groove is a series of live in-studio performances by middle and high school students from the Greater New Orleans area. Our show hosts sit down with the band leaders to talk about the band, what it's like to be a young musician, and about music education opportunities in New Orleans. The students perform for 30 minutes live on the air and Facebook Live, both of which are broadcast worldwide. This is the same studio experience that professional musicians and legends like Irma Thomas, Terence Blanchard, and Leo Nocentelli receive at WWOZ.

WWOZ awards each School Groove band with $1,000 to help with needs such as musical instruments, travel, or uniforms. Students also share lunch with key staff members where they can learn about careers in the broadcast and recording industry.