See this story at BrooklynDaily.com.
By Natalie Musumeci
Brooklyn Daily
The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music is singing the praises of the late Amy Winehouse after the Grammy-winning crooner’s parents donated $25,000 to the Park Slope arts academy.
Mitch and Janis Winehouse gave the oversized novelty check to the music school last Wednesday, saying their daughter’s legacy lives on through organizations like the Conservatory.
“If we can make a difference in a child’s life through a music scholarship, if we can change the direction of a kid headed towards addiction through a program we help fund, then we’ve accomplished something special in our daughter’s name,” said Mitch, who handed over the money through the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
Conservatory honchos say the cash will fund scholarships of underprivileged students in the school’s 30-week teen jazz program, which has a tuition of $2,500.
The money will help 19 aspiring jazz musicians take music theory classes, receive private lessons, and rehearse and perform in ensembles, said executive director Karen Geer.
“Without this money these students wouldn’t be able to advance their studies in jazz,” said Geer.
Mitch and his wife Janis, a Brooklyn native, formed the foundation after their famed daughter died of alcohol poisoning in 2011 following a lengthy, public battle with drugs and booze. The group helps fund music programs and gives aid to rehab centers.
Reach reporter Natalie Musumeci at nmusumeci@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4505. Follow her at twitter.com/souleddout.