​Plugged In Band Program Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Founded in 2002 and based in Needham, the Plugged In Band Program is excited to be celebrating their 20th Anniversary. Beginning in September 2021 there have been a variety of events to raise funds to support the Scholarship & Inclusion Fund. The “kickoff” on September 20 was a Day of Giving, recently a Virtual House Party was held, and their Fall Appeal is in process. In spring of 2022, they have plans for events to continue the celebration and to thank the community for their support over the years. Depending upon COVID restrictions, they hope to have their popular British Invasion of Needham again with the infamous Beatlejuice, this event was a huge hit in 2015 and 2017. A Birthday Party is being planned so families in the community will celebrate both the past 20 years and the future of Plugged In.

Mary Wilson, a former parent says . . . “Thank you so much for giving our son the incredible Plugged In experience. He had such a super time participating in your program. He was so pumped up after camp each day that he would come home and continue to play his guitar for hours. He was also so inspired by you all that he was writing his own song. I had tears in my eyes watching the amazing performances put on by each band. What a thrill it was to see the students truly come alive and give their all to each performance. I’m just astounded by the talent! I thought I was going to embarrass myself and lose it when our son not only soloed, but then sang! Sandra, I know you told me that he would sing when he felt comfortable, but I certainly didn’t expect him to do it at this concert or do lead vocals for an entire song!”

Sandra Rizkallah, Co-Founder and Executive Director, recalls that in the spring of 2003 the first concert was a benefit for Seeds of Peace, the organization was chosen by the staff. However, since then all beneficiaries for the end of session concerts have been chosen by the students. This aspect of their program is one of their core values: Philanthropy and giving back to the community is fundamental to the program. Over the years, 60 organizations have been chosen by the students and over $75,000 has been raised for the charities at the end of session concerts.

ABOUT PLUGGED IN - www.pluggedinband.org

Founded by Sandra Rizkallah and Tom Pugh in 2002, the Plugged In Band Program is a non-profit band program in Needham teaching kids about using music to help others. In addition to ensemble band classes, private lessons, songwriting workshops, digital audio production workshops (added during 2020), summer camp, cross-cultural program (added in 2021), and community performances, five times a year students perform in benefit concerts that raise money for causes and organizations chosen by the students themselves. Plugged In provides a nurturing and supportive community to which young musicians of all levels and needs feel a sense of belonging, have an opportunity to express and be acknowledged for their musical interests and a chance to use their music to help others around the world. Their Scholarship & Inclusion Fund is available for students in need of financial assistance and to provide resources for students with special needs.

For more information about Plugged In Band Program please email sandra@pluggedinband.org.