The Girl Scouts Rock initiative begins in March 2011, with workshops in five major markets across the U.S. The workshop launch will take place in Los Angeles (Girl Scouts of Greater LA) on March 19th, with subsequent workshops in Miami (Girl Scouts Council of Tropical Florida on April 30); Minneapolis (Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys on May 7); Chicago (Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana on May 14) and New York City (Girl Scouts of Greater New York City on May 21). Girl Scouts chapters will offer the workshop in their respective areas on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Girl Scouts Rock is designed to provide girls ages 8-14 a hands-on experience playing popular music; an opportunity fewer girls are receiving due to school music budget cuts. Girl Scouts Rock will kick-off with an electric performance by the Rockin’ Roland Girls Band, leading into break-out sessions featuring activities utilizing Roland’s Lucina AX-09 Shoulder Synthesizer, HD-1 V-Drums® Lite, Rock Band 3, an interactive instrument display, and karaoke station. The curriculum is based on the latest Girl Scout leadership journey: It’s Your Story – Tell It!, which uses a storytelling theme in fun and relevant ways to help girls understand themselves and their potential. Building a strong sense of self is an underlying goal of the series, which was made possible by a generous grant from Dove. Roland will also conduct "Better Life with Music" sessions for interested parents and troop leaders, presenting the latest research and information regarding the benefits of music education in the lives of their children.
"We know that music is an important part of social and academic development for girls, and that through music we learn to express ourselves and our views," said Chris Bristol, President, Roland Corporation U.S. "Not only does learning to play an instrument boost self-esteem, confidence and a sense of accomplishment, it also generates cognitive development in ways not reached by any other discipline. Unfortunately, in many areas across the country, school budget cuts have diminished the opportunities for a quality music education. We’re thrilled to partner with Girl Scouts to produce quality workshops that expose girls to the opportunities making music can provide."
“Girl Scouts of the USA believes that girls develop self-esteem through taking action,” said Kathy Cloninger, CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA. “Most girls have the desire to play music. Research indicates that the action of making music is a key factor in healthy social and academic development, increasing self-esteem and developing skills needed by the 21st century workforce. We look forward to working with Roland to bring important music making opportunities directly to girls, equipping them with tools necessary for to discover, connect and take action – three keys to leadership and the cornerstone of Girl Scouts of the USA’s core values.”
Post-workshop tools will be available at RolandUS.com/GirlsRock so that chapters across the country can access and re-create Girl Scouts Rock in their own communities. Roland will serve as a liaison between local Girl Scout chapters connecting music retailers and teachers to help provide access to instruments and instruction.