The LGSM Foundation supports
children with special needs in their study of music and the
arts.
It is named in memory of Lillian Gertrude Sims McRitchie, a
piano teacher who selflessly donated her time and musical
expertise to teach a student with disabilities for many
years.That student later
became an accomplished concert pianist and dedicated her
life to performance and music instruction.She started the LGSM Foundation in honor of her
beloved teacher as a way to pay forward the musical
education she received.The
LGSM Foundation provides music lessons, materials and
instruments for children with disabilities who otherwise
might not have the opportunity to study music due to the
staggering medical costs that they face.
Funded mostly by private donations and fundraisers, the LGSM
Foundation serves any child with special needs who has a
desire to study music.There is
an application process to determine what would fit best with
each child.Assistance is
provided to help with the cost of music lessons, materials
and instruments. Sponsored children are
able to study any instrument they wish.Many choose piano, but students also study a wide
range of instruments such as guitar, trumpet, drums and
violin.
The LGSM Foundation is headquartered on the northeast side
of San Antonio in the private studio of founder and
president Mrs. Linda Camann, who has dedicated her life to
music instruction.While the
majority of her students are high school, college, and adult
level, Mrs. Camann also has a class of elementary and middle
school students.Some students
have special needs and are sponsored by the LGSM Foundation.Her pupils, who come from all
walks of life, are among the elite in piano performance.The students are taught all
aspects of music.They learn
music theory, music history, sight reading, technical
skills, performance skills, proper instrument care, and a
myriad of other skills and techniques.All students are expected to work to the best of
their ability, and most importantly, they are inspired to
have fun and accomplish goals.The
students are all lovingly encouraged to work together, help
each other, and share their music.They
have a family-like camaraderie, and form very close bonds
and lifelong friendships, all through the study of music.
Mrs. Camann’s class works tirelessly throughout the year on
various performance projects.They
give solo and ensemble concerts for the community, some of
which are LGSM fundraisers.These
concerts range from outdoor events to small, intimate
venues, large theaters, and auditoriums.They also have informal parties where they share
their music with friends and family.In
addition to performing, the students participate in
statewide competitions to test their musical skills.All of them score in the top
percentile every year, and many get perfect scores. The study of music provides more for children with
special needs than mere recreation. While learning to
play an instrument, the students are also able to improve
cognitive development, self-expression, fine and gross motor
skills, and social skills.They
also learn responsibility and accountability, and are given
the opportunity for social interaction and public
performance.Through the study
of music, these children are able to explore an artistic
side of themselves that they might not even have known they
have if not for the LGSM Foundation.Many
sponsored students start music lessons as small children and
continue for years, often into their high school and college
years.Many win contests and
college scholarships for music performance, and some even
become paid musical artists.
The LGSM Foundation provides a much needed service to
children with disabilities.The
study of music and the arts can be a life-changing
experience for a child who otherwise might never have been
given the opportunity. The LGSM
Foundation also shows these children that when they learn
beautiful, complex music and master an instrument, they can
overcome other obstacles in life.Disability does not have to prohibit the realization
of a child’s hopes and dreams. The LGSM
Foundation helps them find a way to participate in life and
share their talents and gifts.
L.G.S.M.
Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 33008
San Antonio, TX 78265-3008