While the gossip mags buzz about Nick Jonas’ apparent on-again courtship of Selena Gomez, the youngest of the Jonas Brothers is championing a cause he can speak (ahem, sing) to: music education. Teaming up with teen service powerhouse DoSomething.org and VH1 Save the Music Foundation, the 17-year-old appears in a PSA for Battle of the Bands, a campaign to keep music education alive.
“Music inspires creativity and keeps kids in school,” Jonas said in early February when the campaign launched. “But there are thousands of students who do not have access to the benefits of music education. Don’t let our music be silenced.”
Battle of the Bands officially kicks off March 1, when kids across the country can upload videos of their bands rockin’ out (plus a short bit about why music education is important to them) at DoSomething.org. Experts and celebs will judge entries, then the grand prize winner will earn $5,000 for their hometown school music department — and get the chance to play for industry bigwigs and a live audience at New York City’s legendary Apollo Theater.
Jonas, who’s currently touring bro-less with the Administration, is no newbie to service work. He’s an outspoken advocate for diabetes awareness, having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 13. In August, Jonas even testified before Congress to ask for more diabetes research funding. He and his brothers Kevin and Joe – who recently recorded an eco-friendly single with Demi Lovato – also founded the Change for Children Foundation. The band will be honored by the T.J. Martell Foundation at Roseland Ballroom in New York City April 18, where they’ll perform — together.
Photo courtesy of DoSomething.org.