Our Story

FAME – The Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education was founded
as Prince George’s County Foundation for Music and Education

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  • 2004
    FAME – The Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education was founded as Prince George’s County Foundation for Music and Education
  • 2004
    Formed a partnership with Prince George’s County Community College 
  • 2004-2008
    With the support of professional musicians and the Prince George’s Community College, FAME hosts a series of concerts and performances to raise funds for its scholarship.
  • 2004-2008
    With the support of professional musicians and the Prince George’s Community College, FAME hosts a series of concerts and performances to raise funds for its scholarship.
  • 2005
    FAME received its first major grant from the Prince George’s County Council
  • 2005
    FAME awards its first scholarships to three college bound students
  • 2005
    FAME began annual sponsorship of two local Spelling Bees in Prince’s George’s County and Washington, DC. that continues today
  • 2008
    FAME received its first donated instrument—a baby grand piano, still being used by FAME students today.
  • 2008
    Launched the Music is Central program at Central High School in Capitol Heights, MD to provide professional musicians to support music teachers, tutoring, workshops, speakers, instruments, materials, and supplies.
  • 2009
    Music is Central expanded to include six additional Prince George’s County schools and 900 youth.
  • 2009
    Approved for participation in Combined Federal Campaign.
  • 2010
    Approved for participation in United Way.
  • 2011
    Launched Summer Technology Program in partnership with the University of Maryland College Park School of Music for 17 students.
  • 2011
    Hosted Happy Hearts to promote literacy through music for the young children at United Communities Against Poverty’s (UCAP) homeless shelter, Shepherd’s Cove.
  • 2011 – 2015
    FAME is named Outstanding Nonprofit from the Maryland State Senate, Maryland Delegates, Prince George’s County Executive and Prince George’s County Council Members.
  • 2012
    Expanded the Summer Music Program to two additional locations in partnership with the Prince George’s County Public School System and Bowie State University. 
  • 2012
    FAME and Arena entered the Guinness Book of Records for hosting 370 trombonist from the U.S. and Canada to perform “76 Trombones” simultaneously at the Washington Nationals baseball field. 
  • 2012
    Hosted Bridging the Musical Spectrum fundraiser, recreating the James Brown and Pavarotti duet of This is a Man’s World at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of MD College Park.
  • 2012
    FAME student Asa DeShields performed the National Anthem at Bowie Baysox baseball game.
  • 2012
    Co-sponsored ‘A Conversation with Civil Rights Icon John Lewis’ featuring his book, Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement. 
  • 2014
    FAME received Innovative Achievement in Arts & Humanities Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 
  • 2014
    received Influencer Award from The Washington Informer
  • 2015
    Established the FAME Jazz Band Program (FJBP) a year-round, community-based program for 14 youth under the inaugural Artistic Director, Nat Adderley, Jr.
  • 2015
    received Congressional Recognition for Quality Music & Academic Programming
  • 2015
    received Shirley Chisholm Memorial Trailblazers Award from the National Congress of Black Women