The “Idan Geffen Fund for Music Education” provides ongoing program support to the Shaar Hanegev Music Center. The Music Center is located in the Shaar Hanegev Educational Campus, adjacent to the town of Sderot, in Israel’s western Negev. It is administered by the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council and provides music education to the youth of the area. Its programs include classroom music for over 500 kindergarten children, instrumental and vocal group lessons for over 600 students of the adjacent Shaar Hanegev Elementary and Junior High Schools, and individual instruction for over 180 students between the ages of 6-18.
  

   The Music Center partners with the Shaar Hanegev High School to provide the framework for the school’s music track, an opportunity for talented students to “major” in music for up to 8 units of “bagrut” (matriculation requirements). Studies include music theory, history, instrumental or vocal proficiency, and participation in musical ensembles. All styles of music are explored – from classical to rock- and students are encouraged to develop their talents by a dedicated faculty.
   The Idan Geffen Fund helps the Music Center enrich and expand its programs, encouraging both excellence and opportunities to expand participation. The Fund provides needed support for the high school “Music Track” program, support for the music ensemble program, scholarships to students who otherwise would not be able to study music, and sponsorship of the annual Music Center concert which is dedicated to the memory of Idan. In addition, the Fund is able to assist in specific projects such as purchase of new instruments and, depending on the resources available, may assist in the development of the new Music and Arts Center that will be part of the new Shaar Hanegev High School currently under construction.

Idan and Shaar Hanegev

   The Shaar Hanegev Junior and Senior High Schools serve approximately 1000 students coming from the town of Sderot and the rural communities in the region. The school’s population is very heterogenic: from children with special needs to excelling students; children from Sderot and children from kibbutzim and moshavim; secular and traditional. In spite of having to weather rocket attacks from adjacent Gaza for years, the school has managed to maintain its high level of educational, cultural, athletic, and social activities.

   Idan studied piano from age 9 and continued his classical piano training in the Music Center when he arrived at Shaar Hanegev. Idan attended Shaar Hanegev Junior and Senior High Schools during the years 2002-2008. Although he majored in chemistry and physics and was an accomplished karate athlete, music was closest to his heart. There he blossomed through participation in rock ensembles up until his graduation. Idan continued to play up until his tragic death in 2009 while serving in the Israel Defense Forces.
   It is our hope that the “Idan Geffen Fund for Music Education” will preserve Idan’s memory in the way he would have liked - enabling others to receive the gift of music he so enjoyed.

To donate:
 
Bank transfer (best way for contributors from outside Israel):

The Idan Geffen Fund- Matnas Arnon
Account number: 40100/28
Bank Leumi, Sderot branch 941
NGO number:  580146850

 Checks can be sent payable to “Amutat Arnon” to:
Gilly Sayag- The Idan Geffen Fund
Matnas Arnon Ibim
D.N. Hof Ashkelon
Israel
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Contributions are tax deductible and a receipt will be sent.