ST. PAUL, MN, December 6, 2007 — McNally Smith College of Music students and faculty recently “decked the halls” at the Mall of America singing holiday classics from their self-produced and recorded new CD, The Gift Of Hope. Held in conjunction with World AIDS Day and Minnesota AIDS Project, shoppers were treated to nearly four hours of festive music that not only spread joy, but also kicked off the CD‘s availability for purchase to benefit Minnesota AIDS Project.
“Creative artists have a responsibility to utilize their talents by communicating important issues to society,” explains McNally Smith College of Music President Harry Chalmiers. “McNally Smith College of Music‘s role is to not only teach music, but to also educate its students and put forth graduates who can positively affect the world through their craft.”
Warren Griffin, Jr., who served as executive producer for the CD and joined fellow student Israil Ali, II in a live performance of The Gift Of Hope‘s fifth track titled, “Whatever The Name Is,” says, “The students‘ and faculty‘s collaboration on The Gift Of Hope recording, and their affiliation with such an important cause as AIDS, is representative of McNally Smith College of Music‘s integrity.”
He adds, “We are honored to have had the opportunity to share our music with the Mall of America and its shoppers and are happy to combine our talents to support Minnesota AIDS Project and the fight against AIDS.”
“I think it is outstanding that McNally Smith School of Music and its students are using their talents to help others,” says David Folkens, Minnesota AIDS Project director of communications. “This entire experience has been a win-win for both the students and our organization. Through McNally Smith College of Music‘s The Gift Of Hope, Minnesota AIDS Project has a terrific product that it can sell to bring in additional funds. Additionally, the students‘ are presented with opportunities to showcase their talents at such venues as the Mall of America and build on their fan base as their holiday CD is distributed on a retail level in conjunction with our cause.”
McNally Smith College of Music has donated more than 1,500 copies of The Gift Of Hope to Minnesota AIDS Project. Priced at $10.00, The Gift Of Hope can be purchased at www.mnaidsproject.org/mcnally_buy.htm and can also be found at Whole Foods Market Minnesota locations.
Minnesota AIDS Project envisions a world free of AIDS. Its mission is to lead Minnesota’s fight to stop HIV through advocacy, education and service. Founded in 1983, Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) is a statewide, nonprofit agency committed to enhancing the lives of people living with HIV, prevention education for those at risk for HIV, and advocating for the rights of all affected by HIV. From community outreach and legal consultation to emergency financial assistance, MAP is a leader in the fight against HIV.
Founded in 1985, McNally Smith College of Music is devoted to excellence in music industry higher education and in developing music industry professionals. An accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, McNally Smith College of Music offers music degrees and programs in Music Performance, Recording Technology and Music Business. With more than 500 students and an 80-member faculty, McNally Smith College of Music students get a personalized music education that combines the art of physics with musical artistry and includes wide access to current music technology, research tools and performance facilities. McNally Smith alumni are working all over the world.
