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Press Release

Frank Strong, an artist on the rosters of VSA Arts Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council, will be presenting a residency at ________________ (name of school), in ________ (name of community), on _______ (day of the week), __/__/__ (date).

Frank is a folk guitarist who will present an interactive artistic enrichment program to students in grades __ - __.  Frank will present harmonica instruction and/or railroad history through folk songs.

When not performing music, Frank is Director of Programs at the Central Iowa Center for Independent Living in Des Moines, a non-profit agency serving persons with disabilities.  In addition Frank makes presentations on leadership skills and Parliamentary procedures.  Frank enjoys playing a variety of music and is a regular performer at the downtown Des Moines farmer’s market. He has recorded a CD of railroad songs accompanied by guitar and harmonica. 

The railroad songs celebrate the colorful history both in Iowa and throughout the United States of building, maintaining and riding the railroad system. The railroad residency seeks to educate, engage and motivate the audience to learn more about the history of the railroad system and the people affected by railroads.

The harmonica residency offers each student the opportunity to learn to play the harmonica. The harmonica is a unique instrument that can be performed by persons with little, if any, formal musical training.  The harmonica is widely available, portable and inexpensive.  Each student takes home a brand new harmonica.

Our school is proud to provide this unique educational opportunity to our most valuable resource, the children in our community.

If you need additional information, please call _______________(name of local contact) @ _____________(phone number), or Frank Strong @ 515-285-7254, e-mail frank@frankstrong.net