A Cayuga County not-for-profit dedicated to music education has won a regional award.
Perform 4 Purpose has won its first Syracuse Area Music Award or SAMMY. On Friday, the group won a People’s Choice Award for Best Academic or Musical Organization, beating out the Liverpool High School Marching Band in the final round of public voting.
Jim Van Arsdale is the group’s program director. He told Finger Lakes News Radio that this award is a testament to what Perform 4 Purpose means to the community.
“First of all, congratulations to all the organizations that were nominated. They all do fantastic work with kids,” said Van Arsdale. “We are very humbled and grateful for all the community voting to support us. Seeing our young performers beaming with pride at the awards ceremony was great and helps them realize how important and helpful their performances are to everyone.”
While this is the first time the Perform 4 Purpose has won a SAMMYVan Arsdale said they have placed as the runner-up twice before.
Created in Auburn in 2011, Perform 4 Purpose provides tuition-free music instruction, workshops, and performances throughout the year for local youth in Cayuga and neighboring counties.
