The Music Endowment Council for Kids!, has been providing financial support to young Drum and Bugle Corps musicians and performers from Across the United States and beyond, between the ages of 16 and 21, since 2003, who want to march in World Class Division 1 and 2 and sometimes 3 Drum and Bugle Corps.
We are a group that assist young performers see the world throughout the summer months, while being promoting ourselves as the "Drama and Judgment Free Drum Corps Zone!"

What we do is earn monies throughout the year by items that are donated to us, and sold through EBay Sales and other auction sites, but we also rely heavily on donations from you, the fan. Every amount counts. There is no minimum amount to donate. Each performer pays dues to the Drum and Bugle Corps that they belong to and some of the final fees can reach up to 1,500.00 per season.

MARCHING, MUSIC and MEMORIES.
We financially assist young performers that are not in the majority of young kids that CAN pay the fees that are increasing each year, in some cases 1,500.00 dollars per year.
Our foundation helps defray the cost of the dues that need to be paid to participate, and the selected performer receives an award we call the "Pepe Notaro Award." The "Pepe Notaro Award, the preeminent showman" is named after long time drum and bugle corps Hall of Fame instructor and performer Pepe Notaro so we saw it only fitting to name the award after him when we formed our Music Endowment Council for Kids!! in 2003. He was my instructor as a kid and I also got to watch him perform and I was truly inspired and he is truly worthy of this award.

Each year we randomly select members through the help of their directors and corps leadership staff and surprise them with the money stipend to help them defray the cost of the fee. It's the perfect Random Act of Kindness, and 100 percent of the donations goes to the musicians and performers.

Sponsored by Sirflexalot.com, much like in the 80's when Rock and Roll and Wrestling joined forces, it is the new millennium and exercise and drum corps will join forces through Sirflexalot.com and it has been a Homerun ever since.

What better website than Sirflexalot.com would there be to help sponsor kids in a musical sport that can be seen regularly on ESPN.

Some of our top The Exercise/Professional Bodybuilding/Actors/Musicians and Comedic family have also joined forces when it comes to exercise and drum and bugle corps and modeling the clothing that makes a profit for the kids to able to pay their tour fees. Exercise enthusiasts come in all shapes and sizes.

With the 1,500.00 Dollar tour fee going up each and every year, we help the young performer by selling Music Endowment Council Clothing and items and the money goes to the young performer to have their dream come true.



With everyone's help and support, this year, we were able to give out
52 "Pepe Notaro Awards" for 2008 to drum corps participants throughout the U.S. marching in many deserving drum corps, with a management structure that is free of in-fighting, stable, and provides a nurturing, judgment free environment, who have performers with the inability to pay the whole yearly tour tuition due to family situations etc..

The Exercise/Professional Bodybuilding/Actors/Musicians and Comedic family across the United States and abroad, recognize that and have been wearing our garments and we have been selling out of our items allowing the dream to continue.

Here are just a hand full of pictures of the 52 performers that we have helped out financially this year with "Pepe Notaro Awards" to ensure their dream stays alive and also, a few photo's of the Music Endowment Council for Kids!! Supporters, with some words of encouragement for the performers, who are wearing the garments that fund our organization in part.

Here are a handful of photo's of the 2008
"Pepe Notaro Award" Winners with more to come!

Mr. Walter L. Edwards II-Director
The Music Endowment Council for Kids!! E-mail us at: mecforkids@snet.net

Jaime from Connecticut
Targets Drum and Bugle Corps 07-08, Chicopee, MA

I, as well as the rest of the corps, immensely appreciate this award. Thank you for rewarding our hard work and helping to ensure our season is a great one! On behalf of the Targets Drum and Bugle Corps, thank you so much for your notable generosity!
- Jamie - Bass 1
Targets Drum and Bugle Corps 07-08, Chicopee, MA

Dave Covington-Director -Targets Drum and Bugle Corps- Chicopee, MA 2008
"Thank you for choosing the Targets as a recipient of the Music Endowment Council for Kids award. Your kindness will always be appreciated."

My best to all of you young musicians and performers who spend your summer entertaining others while getting plenty of exercise. Anyone can play Xbox or Play Station, but your personal health and fitness is number one so I commend you.

Professional Bodybuilder Anthony Catanzaro

Young adults like yourselves should be proud of the exercise you are getting as well as performing for thousands of people and doing the community proud. Keep on exercising and entertaining!!

Eight Time Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman




Homan from Connecticut:
Connecticut Hurricanes 2008

"I would like to thank the Music Endowment Council for Kids for considering me for their scholarship.
This will help me to march in an organization that has helped enrich my musical and marching abilities. It has also afforded me to be among some of the best people I have ever been associated with and have developed friendships that will last for the rest of my life.
Thank You." Thank very much for the "Pepe Notaro Award"!



Because of an organization like the Music Endowment Council for Kids, it has been made easier for some students to be a part of the Connecticut Hurricanes that otherwise might have a hard time financially doing so.
While we never turn away students because of finances, this scholarship has made it easier for the student and the Connecticut Hurricanes. It is great to see that an organization such as yours takes an interest in our young musicians. Thank You.

Bernie Malesky-Executive Director of the 2008 Connecticut Hurricanes All Age Drum and Bugle Corps from Derby Connecticut.

My best to the kids who the shirts sales go to support in sending them across the United States and Canada for the summer.
Staying fit with exercise the Drum and Bugle Corps way. What could be better for a young person today. Go Drum Corps!!!

Professional Bodybuilder-Lee Labrada-President/CEO

"My best to all the actors, comedians, and bodybuilders who help support the kids who the shirts sales go to support in sending them across the United States and Canada for the summer.

Throughout your life experiences, remain strong.
  As you develop discipline, leadership and teamwork you will become a stronger individual. 
Follow and pursue your dreams... never give up because eventually one day you will be where you always dreamed you would be". I am glad I could help contribute to the drum and bugle corps! The exercise they get is incredible!!

Bodybuilder Chris Tuttle-Connecticut

Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Antonio, Texas

“I would like to thank the Mr. Walter L. Edwards Sr. and The Music Endowment Council for Kids for not only assisting me with this scholarship, but for giving many other young performers like myself the opportunity to march in various corps across the U.S. Thank you for the Pepe Notaro Award!!”

Eugenio
2008 Contra Section Leader
Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Antonio, Texas

The Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps is thankful for the support of The Music Endowment Council for Kids and for the work they do to help young people in the Drum Corps Activity.
Thank you for your support of Drum Corps and the Crossmen.

Mark Chamber, 2008 Director
Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Antonio, Texas

Teen Bodybuilder Sensation Zack Emigh

Thunder,
I really like the shirt!! I am taking my body to the next level and glad I could help out in any way. Thanks again for the inspiration!!

Teen Bodybuilder Sensation Zack Emigh
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/ZackEmigh/

All my best to the kids this summer!! When you called Walt, I was glad to help.
I marched in the Fire-ettes Drum and Bugle Corps from Norwich Connecticut so I know how much of a commitment it is. But lots of EXERCISE!!! :) SAFE TRAVELS ON YOUR TOUR THIS SUMMER!!!

Bodybuilder and Model Ms. Dawn Whitham.

Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, Madison Wisconsin

“Not many Young men are given the opportunity to endure the challenges, rewards, and excitements that the Madison Scouts has given to me. The Passion and sense of family is like no other.
The warmth, growth, professionalism, realism and honor gained from just one summer is more than, most people can get it in a lifetime.
The Madison Scouts mean so much to me, thank you for the Pepe Notaro Award and for providing me with the opportunity to fulfill my dreams."

Stephon
2008 Color guard
Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, Madison Wisconsin

“So many talented and committed young individuals must say no to drum corps because of the increasing costs. The Music Endowment Council for Kids allows some of the most deserving to say yes!” Thank you.

Dann Petersen, 2008 Director
Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, Madison Wisconsin

Kids on the move. That's what I'm talking about. Exercise in every form while entertaining across the country. Hail Drum and Bugle Corps.

All my best and train hard my drum corps friends,
Bodybuilder Brad Hollibaugh

Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps-Pasadena, CA

I wanted to say thank you to the Walter Edwards Sr. Music Endowment for Kids for choosing me and donating towards my tour fee.
Ever since I've joined the Velvet Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, I've learned quite a bit about myself, and it has changed my life. Thank you to organizations like yours that all this can be possible. Thank you for the Pepe Notaro Award!!
James

Trumpet - '07, Section Leader '08
Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps-Pasadena, CA 2008

"Dear Mr. Edwards II - what your organization, Music Endowment Council for Kids, is doing helping out those young musicians is just fantastic.
Wish there were more people like yourselves, who are willing to give back to their communities. Keep up the GREAT work!

Mayra Iraheta - Corps Director
Velvet Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, Pasadena, CA"

When I was a kid, I wish there was some organization that would have helped me pay my 1,500.00 dollar tuition to travel around The United States and Canada.
The clothing and mugs that the kids sell to raise money for kids who cant afford the entire 1,500.00 dollars is amazing!!
Keep up the good work and do continue to do us bodybuilders proud!!!
To all you 2008 performers, have a great season and get that exercise!!

Friends in Iron,
Professional Bodybuilder Gunter Schlierkam

Frontier All Age Drum and Bugle Corps, Dallas, Texas

I would like to thank the Walter L. Edwards Sr. Music Endowment Council for Kids for sponsoring us and giving me the opportunity to be recognized for my hard work and dedication.

Thank you for the Pepe Notaro Award.Frontier has made a great impact on my life and I hope that these experience will allow me to have an impact on others.

Baron Yarbourough - 1st Bass Drummer
Frontier Drum and Bugle Corps Percussion Line 2008

Dear Mr. Edwards, Thank you so much for your continued support for music and the arts.
It is just wonderful to see such organizations as yours willing to invest in our youth and help to keep music alive in our schools, and also in drum corps! Thank you for your support!

Manny Guerrero - Director, Frontier Drum and Bugle Corps

Anything that gets kids up and moving I'm all for. The Music Endowment Council for Kids! has helped kids see the country like no other organization has. Keep up the good work!!


Bodybuilder Title Winner Dan Brunski-Connecticut

Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps Casper, Wyoming

Kyle:
I would like to extend my warmest thanks to the coordinators for the Walter L. Edwards Sr. Music Endowment Council for Kids Scholarship. This fund has helped several members in the drum and bugle corps activity get to march every year and i am honored to be considered for this scholarship.
This is my 5th year in drum corps, 4th with the Troopers, and will be aging out this summer, so it is truly a blessing to receive support for my age out season.
Thanks again!

Kyle, 2008 Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps Drum Major

Troopers - 2004 - 2005 Soprano
Blue Stars - 2006 Trumpet
Troopers - 2007 Trumpet/ Horn Sergeant
Troopers - 2008 Drum Major-Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, Casper, Wyoming



Dear Mr. Edwards II, we appreciate what you and The Music Endowment Council for Kids is doing to help further the musical experience and education of these young people. Thank you again, please continue the GREAT WORK!!
Fred Morris-Director Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps-Casper Wyoming 2008



Professional Bodybuilder Jay Cutler and Current Mr. Olympia. 2006-2007

And they say I have determination. WOW!! You should really be proud of yourself and the clothing line you started and designed to raise money for underprivileged kids to tour the US and Canada while entertaining others.
The Sirflexalot.com/Music Endowment Council for Kids! is incredible!!!! What took you so long!! :)
Good luck to all you performers as you make your way across the country!!

Your Friend,

Professional Bodybuilder Jay Cutler and Current Mr. Olympia. 2006-2007

Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps Canton, Ohio

Rick:
Thank you so much for the Pepe Notaro Award.!!!! This really helps me out more than you know.
As I have filled my life with music, I always remember this quote. "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller
Thank you Music Endowment Council for Kids!! for the Pepe Notaro Award!!!! Rick-Bass Drum 2008
Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps-Canton, Ohio 2008
Drum line Captain 07

Rick is a great, hard working guy! This is his second year with the Bluecoats, and this honor is well-deserved!” Thank you Music Endowment Council for Kids and the Pepe Notaro Award!

David Glasgow, 2008 Executive Director, Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps-Canton, Ohio



I am truly impressed and humbled at the same time. For everyone that reads this, this is how you can look at 51 years of age if you take care of yourself, and marching in a musical sport such as Drum and Bugle Corps that The Music Endowment Council for Kids!! helps sponsor members is the way to go. The clothing is awesome!!! Everyone should buy some today and help the kids!!


Amateur Bodybuilder, Mr. Masters Title Holder-Hal Walther


Spirit of Newark Drum and Bugle Corps
Newark, New Jersey

Jose:

I am honored to receive the Walter L. Edwards Sr., Music Endowment Council for Kids Scholarship. I am working my way through Essex County Community College and this money is a big help towards my tour fee at Spirit of Newark/New Jersey Drum and Bugle Corps. This is my eighth season with Spirit of Newark and I am the percussion section leader. Thanks once again for this opportunity and the Pepe Notaro Award!
Jose

Percussion Section Leader 06-08
Spirit of Newark Drum and Bugle Corps, Newark New Jersey 2008

Thank you for offering this scholarship to our deserving corps member, Jose Ferreira! The Walter L. Edwards Sr., Music Endowment Council for Kids Scholarship is a great program to advance drum and bugle corps participation. Our members greatly benefit from this scholarship in this time of economic difficulty. Thank you for the Pepe Notaro Awards!

Harold Wright, Director
Spirit of Newark/New Jersey Drum and Bugle Corps 2008

Music is my life and I am glad to see that you have made it part of your life for the summer.
Entertaining and working those muscles in ways that people can only imagine.
Always remember: Music warms the Heart, and the Soul........

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Band Leader Kevin Eubanks

Bluestars Drum and Bugle Corps, Lacrose, Wisonsin

"I am honored to receive the Walter L. Edwards Sr., Music Endowment Council for Kids Scholarship. I am a student at Tarpons Springs Leadership Academy and a trumpet in the marching band and wind ensembles.
This money will help me further my education outside of the classroom as I aspire to be a music arranger and educator.

Being a member of The Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps allows me to be taught by some of the finest instructors and arrangers in the country.

I am proud to say that I am a second year member of the Blue Stars. Your generous contribution will all me to keep chasing my dream.’
Thank you for the Pepe Notaro Award!!!!

Finis Coronat Opus “The End Crowns the Work”
Diane Reyes, The Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, Lacrosse, Wisconsin

“As the Corps Director and Director of Youth Programs for the Blue Stars, we see many talented young people come into the rehearsal halls for drum corps. They are inspired by that performance they saw on television or even saw live.
Many members come to us with more than the means to be able to reach their commitment financially to our non-profit 501c3. Unfortunately, some very talented musicians come to a few camps and realize they might not be able to continue due to the lack of finances.

Drum corps work hard to keep the cost of tuition down and on average the student is paying only 20%-35% of what it actually takes to get 1 member on the field, but sometimes it is not enough.

The Walter L. Edwards Sr., Music Endowment Council for Kids Scholarship really does help kids chase their dreams… and turn them into reality.

These young people will be our leaders of tomorrow and I am glad that your endowment council is giving less fortunate kids that chance.”

Eric Sabach, Corps Director
The Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, Lacrosse, Wisconsin

Multiple Bodybuilder Title Winner Tom Platz

"Human movement is a gift from God. If you enhance and make this gift strong and then add it to your talent, you will continue to grow in what you love to do. Remember, sometimes you must do things you do not like...... just to get to the things you love!

Professional Bodybuilder Tom Platz

"Drum and bugle corps is an intense, competitive, choreographed musical experience staged on a football field by young people achieving high levels of excellence." www.dci.org

"Through the drum and bugle corps experience, young people develop life skills including discipline, teamwork and leadership." www.dci.org

"Each corps is unique in how they approach the drum corps experience."www.dci.org

These semi-professional young performers practice during the Winter and Spring months and then begin to do parades and competitions and other entertaining events. The Drum and Bugle Corps leave their home base around the first week of June and stay on the road, touring the U.S. and Canada until the middle of August.
Some of these performers go on to Broadway and other musical activities as adults.

For more information, click on the Visa logo below and you can e-mail the Music Endowment Council for Kids! directly before you make a donation if you wish. Our Music Endowment Council for Kids!! could not survive without YOU, the Fans and Supporters.

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HERE IS AN ARCHIVE PHOTO OF SOME YOUNG HAPPY PREVIOUS
Music Endowment Council for Kids!DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS AWARD WINNERS!
The Award Winners are from the 2004 Harrison, New Jersey,
Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps, WITH THEIR Music Endowment Council for Kids!CHECKS IN HAND!!

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A Job Well Done!!!

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