DALLAS – May 28, 2009 – The Dallas Wind Symphony will provide musical training for inner-city youth during its 3rd annual Summer Music Institute for Dallas Independent School District band students on June 8 – 12, 2009 with the support of presenting sponsor Sterling Bank.

More than 300 Dallas ISD students from the 7th – 10th grades are scheduled to attend the five-day camp, which takes place at Dallas ISD’s Moises E. Molina High School in southwest Dallas.

"We are very excited to sponsor the DWS and the Summer Music Institute," said Bruce Bradford, Sterling Regional CEO. "We have been a long-time supporter of the Wind Symphony and our support of the Institute furthers our belief in and support of our local community. There’s nothing more important than the education of our children and we’re thrilled to be able to help."

Each day of the camp, students receive three hours of rehearsal in ensembles and three hours of sectional and instrumental instruction from 13 professional musicians and members of the Symphony.

The student ensembles will showcase skills learned during the week in a final concert in Molina High School’s main auditorium at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12. Attendees will include Dallas ISD band directors, administration officials, sponsors, and parents and friends of the students.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for students to take a major step forward with their musical studies during the summer," said Michael Hinojosa, Superintendent of Schools for the Dallas Independent School District. "Students who participate not only get to dedicate significantly more time to improving their musical skills but they have a great time in the process."

The Dallas Wind Symphony is considered by many to be the premiere civilian windband in the world. However, concerts are just a small part of the Symphony’s bigger picture, according to Kim Campbell, DWS Founder/Executive Director. "Music affects us all – no matter the age," he said. "We know music instruction for the young helps to train the mind. It instills confidence, enhances math skills, and teaches cooperation, listening, self-discipline. If we can help to do that with the Institute, what better way to help our youth, our schools, and our community?"