Barry Manilow donating piano to Fort Wayne Community Schools

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) The pop music star's gift of a Yamaha piano will help launch an instrument drive for the school district.

Manilow just completed a series of concerts in New York and will bring his "Manilow on Broadway" concert to cities around the country.  He will perform at the Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne on April 18, 2013.  

Anyone who donates a new or gently used musical instrument will receive two free tickets (valid for pre-selected seat locations) for the Manilow concert.

“I’m thrilled to be able to help bring the gift of music to these kids,” stated Manilow.

The Memorial Coliseum will be the base for the instrument drive in Fort Wayne, from now through April 18. The instrument drop off location is open between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

“Fort Wayne Community Schools has long been committed to providing quality music programs for our students. We know how valuable the arts and music are in enriching their lives and enhancing their education,”said  Fort Wayne Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Wendy Robinson.

“Students are introduced to various styles of music and musical instruments at a young age, and many find a natural talent they can develop throughout their lives. Our challenge, however, has always been making sure we have enough instruments to provide students with the opportunities they deserve. We appreciate the generosity of Barry Manilow and the Manilow Music Project in providing instruments to our schools and look forward to the beautiful music our students will play.”

The Manilow Music Project (MMP) is part of The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope. It was formed as a grass roots organization to assist local charities and programs. Its primary focus is to provide musical instruments to high schools and middle schools and to provide music scholarships at universities throughout the U.S., Canada, and the UK. More information on the Manilow Music Project can be found at http://www.manilowmusicproject.org/.

According to Manilow's publicist, the artist has sold more than 80 million records and  is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time with 50 top 40 hits. Manilow has produced, arranged and released over 40 albums over the course of his career.