Local singer raises funds for school music program

A local singer who got her start in the Idaho Falls School District 91 music program is giving back through a musical fundraiser.

Sylvia Belford graduated from Idaho Falls High School ten years ago and has been perfecting her talents since then. She recently recorded a series of songs at Ken Dudley’s cottonwood studios that will be released on itunes Saturday, June 9. Belford will be donating half of all the proceeds from the songs to the District 91 music department as a way to say thank you.

“I decided to give back to the music program I went to school in,” Belford said.

Belford has a real passion for music. It changed her life and she’s hoping it can do the same for students in school.

“Music has always been part of my life,” Belford said. “It’s always made a difference in my life and it’s something I know I would never let go. Of course, I went to school for academic reasons, but music classes are the thing that helped me do those better.”

With tight budgets, public school music programs are not at the top of the list of priorities for funding. District 91 music office manager Sharon Cole is delighted with the fundraiser. She says many musical instruments are in desperate need of replacement and the money from this will be a big help. Belford is just glad she can help.

“Music has such a power to be an influence on the way people feel and the way people think and I couldn’t think of another way to make a difference than to use music as the medium of reaching out to people that way,” Belford said.

Belford will be performing some of her songs at a release party Saturday, June 9 at 4 pm at the Idaho Falls High School band room .The public is invited. After that you can buy her songs on itunes. Just search for Sylvia Belford – Sound of my Soul.