Thirteen Yards To Victory rocks Amsterdam High – Capital News 9 – 10.14.09
Students at Amsterdam High School got a special treat. They rocked out to the music of “Thirteen Yards to Victory.” The band, originally from Boston, kicked off its nationwide American Dreamers tour at the school to benefit art and music programs. Our Dayana Perez was there and has the story.
“The economy is bad. A lot of music and arts programs are getting cut from schools, and we want to do something about that,” said band member Vinny Prezioso.
The band released its CD called “American Dreamers” as a community service project. All money raised through the sale of the CD’s digital download will stay in each state to support art and music programs.
“If you order the CD in Amsterdam, the money is going to stay in New York,” said band member David Rossi.
“I think it’s wonderful and it’s a great opportunity for our students to see what can be done with the enthusiasm these boys bring to us with the arts and music,” said Amsterdam School Superintendent Thomas Perillo.
Because of their efforts, Thirteen Yards has received praise from top political figures, like Senator John Kerry and the late Senator Ted Kennedy.
“Ted Kennedy, one of the last things he did that involved community service and public service, we were the last thing he signed off on before his death and he was so good and such a fundamental part of our state,” Rossi said.
Band members say they picked out Amsterdam High as their first stop because even with the bad economy, the school has some how been able to maintain an impressive music and arts program that should be used as an example to school across the country.
