Who We Are        Our Mission         Get Involved!         Events         Find Out More!

Mission and Goals

The John V. Rudebeck Memorial Foundation is a non-for-profit organization founded by the creators of STLSound Magazine with the belief that no child should be denied his or her musical voice. As a community it is our responsibility, and obligation, to ensure that these kids have every chance to explore their musical passion. The John V. Rudebeck Foundation's mission is to provide musical instruments and tutelage to children whose parents (or guardians) and schools are unable to incur the costs associated with musical education. Through the foundation, with the help of our "Play It Forward" Program, we aim to provide instruments, instrument accessories, sheet music and lessons, as well as opportunities to perform, for children in grade schools and high schools in the St. Louis area.

In keeping with this mission, the "Play It Forward" Program:

* Donates musical instruments to children whose school and parents cannot afford the equipment.

* Provides music lessons for children after receiving their instruments from the program, or for children who previously own instruments but cannot afford music lessons.

* Contributes instruments to low-budget schools whose music department funding does not cover the costs for instruments for students who wish to join the school's band program.

* Coordinates shows and events at local schools.