SAVANNAH, GA -Student musicians put their talents on display this afternoon in Savannah. The Sponsors of New and Talented Artists, otherwise known as SONATA, held its annual fundraiser luncheon and gala.
SONATA provides free private music lessons for low income and minority students by matching them with the area’s top professional musicians.
"Studies show that the arts have a direct impact on education so if you are in music your test scores are going to be higher, if you are an artist your test scores are going to be higher, and performance-based arts also help with their self-esteem issues,” said Somi Benson-Ja Ja with SONATA.
News 3’s Coastal Sunrise anchor Kim Gusby emceed the fundraiser. A special award given in honor of Savannah music icon Ben Tucker went to local jazz legend Teddy Adams. Other award recipients include: Distinguished Service Award, Khristi Chisholm; Local Musician of the Year, Eric Jones; Educator of the Year, Michael Hutchinson.