Bob Moog Foundation Continues to Expand Education Initiative

Asheville, NC - March 2014... In less than three short years, the Bob Moog Foundation's hallmark educational initiative, Dr. Bob's Sound School, has become a powerful learning tool for teachers across multiple school districts, and continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.

First launched as a pilot program in Asheville City School District in 2011, Dr. Bob's Sound School (DBSS) is a 10-week experiential curriculum that educates second grade students in the science of sound through the magic of music. Using acoustic and electronic instruments, oscilloscopes, and custom educational materials developed by the Bob Moog Foundation educational team, students gain a new understanding of vibrations, waveforms, sound propagation, pitch, loudness, and other properties of sound.

The initial first-year pilot brought the program to eight classrooms, with several dozen students being treated to what proved to be a truly unique learning experience. The following year, the addition of Buncombe County School District grew the program to 32 classrooms. Since then, the program has expanded into neighboring Madison County, growing to serve more than 1000 students in 55 classrooms across the metropolitan area.

As the Bob Moog Foundation's Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa, explains, the growth is part of a long-term plan to bring the program to educators everywhere. "We've seen the dramatic effects of enlightening students about the science of sound early in their education, and we know the impact that exposure to music has on young people," she observes. "Ultimately, our goal is to see Dr. Bob's Sound School in 500 classrooms across several states in the next three to five years, and eventually take it nation-wide."

As the word has spread about the Bob Moog Foundation's work, support has continued to grow. Recently the BMF announced a strategic partnership with leading EDM concert promoters Disco Donnie Presents, with DDP sponsoring a one-day Dr. Bob's Workshop for more than 300 fourth grade students in the Houston area, and opening a new BMF donation portal on their ticketing website.

"The Bob Moog Foundation shares our values and belief in the importance of education and creativity in the teaching of music, math, and science," remarked Donnie Estopinal, CEO of Disco Donnie Presents. "We are proud to support such a wonderful organization, and excited for the potential behind this collaboration."

"There are few things in life as gratifying as seeing the looks on these kids' faces - the way their eyes light up in those 'ah-ha' moments is the single best reward anyone could ever receive," concludes Michelle Moog-Koussa. "The embrace of Dr. Bob's Sound School by administrators, teachers, and students alike has exceeded our most optimistic expectations. We're so grateful for the support we've received, and we're truly excited for what lies ahead for the efforts of the Bob Moog Foundation."