Sacramento, CA…Forest Innovations invites students from elementary schools, middle schools and high schools — across the United States — to submit an entry to the 2017 Design-a-Stick Contest. Innovative entries from young people will be used to design and produce simple, low-cost musical instruments and drumsticks. First prize in each category is $500 for the submitting student. 250 units of each winning design will be produced for the student’s school. Cash prizes will be awarded for second and third place in each category. Through this contest Forest Innovations hopes to bring additional attention to the Sierra Nevada portion of the drought-caused tree mortality catastrophe. As important, Forest Innovations also strives to support efforts to sustain music education at home, on school campuses, and as part of after-school programs.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life,” said Matt Boyer, Chief Executive Officer. “There are many pathways to connect young people with musical instruments, in settings as varied as Boys and Girls Clubs, and school-based programs.” Multiple studies directly link music education and aptitude to academic success and successful vocational and professional careers.

“The recent rains are too late for dead and dying trees,” stated John Clerici, Chief Operations Officer of Forest Innovations. “Design-a-Stick is a way Forest Innovations can bring another voice, and potentially revenues, to school-based and after-school music programs.” Contest details will be posted at no later than 12 noon Pacific Time, March 11, 2017 at www.ForestInnovations.org. Entries will be received through May 12, 2017.

“Young geniuses are making ‘PVC-wind’ instruments from irrigation pipe,” Boyer added. Let’s see what young minds can envision with the acoustic resonance of wood.”

Forest Innovations is the latest enterprise of Community Services2050. The Community Services (CS2050) mission is simple – to ensure that California remains vibrant and sustainable for the next generation. Forest Innovations is staffed by Matthew C. Boyer & Associates.