The Laureen Swanson Music for Youth Foundation — created in memory of a young musician from Harpswell — recently awarded a grant to fund music lessons for students at Brunswick High School.
Brandon Duras, band director at Brunswick High, recruits instructors and matches them with students. The grant is part of a new program for the foundation, which hopes to award similar grants to more schools in the future.
A $5,000 grant from Walmart supported the launch of the program. Adam Tremblay, manager of the Brunswick Walmart, selected the foundation to receive the grant.
Laureen Swanson graduated from Brunswick High School in 1974. She played piano and was active in chorus and theater throughout high school and college. “Music was a great source of happiness for Laureen,” the foundation said in a statement.
When Swanson died from leukemia at 22, her parents established a memorial fund to help Midcoast youth pursue their musical interests. The foundation helps students up to age 22 afford lessons, instruments, and trips to music camps and other events.
Students can apply at laureenswansonmusicforyouthfoundation.org. Individual applications are accepted year-round and reviewed monthly.
The foundation welcomes donations. It also wants to expand its board and is seeking members with skills in the areas of communication and community integration. For more information, email lsmfyfund@gmail.com or go to the foundation’s website.
