Great news from Indiana! Just today the Indiana Department of Correction issued a policy directive that all DOC facilities are to institute music programs. The directive says:

"It is the intent of the Department that all facilities will provide a music activities program that may include, but is not limited to:

• Playing musical instruments
• Participating in a band or other instrumental ensemble
• Singing individually or with a band or vocal group, including a religious choir
• Instructional classes in music, instrumental or vocal techniques
• Other musical related activities."

This all started with the grant you gave to PREF to develop a program. The PREF program is now one year old and has developed into a seven day a week, full music program with six full time resident clerks and instructors. We have had 78 participants and are signing up more at the rate of 4 per week. We are holding our second concert on July 14th where three of our bands will open.

What this new policy means is the facilities will NOW finally start paying for the program equipment and supplies! Thanks to Guitar Center Music Foundation for support of the program when few people gave it much chance of success. We showed them, my friend!!! We planted a sapling and a forest is emerging from it!

Please pass on our success story to your board with a special thanks from me and the tax paying citizens of Indiana who truly believe that "Music participation is an essential element in the fabric of an enduring society".

My best, as always,

Bob
Volunteer Music Coordinator
Plainfield Re-Entry Educational Facility
Indiana Department of Correction