You are now watching: Music.MyNC Presents: Have A Holly Raleigh KIDSmas

For four years now, Sir Walter Records has collaborated with local musicians to record a holiday-themed album whose proceeds benefit the Community Music School.

The Community Music School is a not-for-profit organization that helps disadvantaged children ages 6 to 18 receive “individualized instruction and guidance from area professionals and instructors” for only a $1 per half-hour lesson.

“Music increases SAT scores and IQ scores,” CMS Executive Director Carol Walborn said. “Also, 98 percent of children involved with music graduate from high school.”

A student at the CMS, Myriah Luke said, “I plan on doing something professional — majoring in performance or teaching because I love kids and passing down the knowledge and passion for music.”

Students who qualify for the program include those who are involved with the free and reduced lunch programs at their primary schools. The Community Music School’s role is to provide those students with music lessons as well as the instruments for the students to play.

The CMS Web site explains that “the school also provides and repairs instruments for the students to use free of charge for the duration of their enrollment. Music books are also provided when a need exists to encourage practicing and reading during the week.”

At only $1 per lesson, the school relies heavily on the generosity of the community, and Sir Walter Records donates its time and resources each year to produce a compilation whose proceeds go back to the organization.

“We charge only $1 per music lesson, so we rely on contributions and support from the community to sustain our programs,” CMS Board President Kay Pellack said in a release last year. “We are honored to be chosen by Sir Walter Records as the beneficiaryof this year’s Have A Holly Raleigh Christmas CD fundraiser.”

This year’s compilation focuses on kid-friendly Christmas songs, and began with local singer-songwriter Anthony Neff coming to producer Jeff Carroll with his song “P-E-A-C-E,” which features the backing of a children’s choir.

“It’s called Holly Raleigh KIDSmas,” CMS board member Stephen Votino explained. “It highlights different musicians in the area and gives back by raising money for kids who want to learn music.”

In addition to Neff, the compilation also features original tracks from The Desmonds, Jubal Creech, The Beast, A Rooster For The Masses, Mommie, Sandbox, Big Bang Boom, The Rosebuds, Peter Lamb & The Wolves and The Atomic Rhythm All-Stars. The Proclivities also contributed their cover of “Carol of the Bells,” which appears on the band’s holiday EP Yule Love It.

“The compilation broadens awareness of local music and more importantly raises funds for CMS,” Carroll said. “Music is for everyone; and through this project, participating artists are embracing the opportunity to give back and invest in the future of the musical arts and culture of our city.”

Have A Holly Raleigh KIDSmas is available at various retailers around the Triangle for $10, as well as online through iTunes and CDBaby.com. You can also help the Community Music School by contacting the school’s executive director or donating online through the CMS Web site.