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Local Musicians Urge Restoration Of Funding For Arts In Philadelphia Schools

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A lunchtime concert at Love Park on Tuesday was designed to do more than just entertain.

While the R&B, rap and rock bands played on, organizers gathered petition signatures, urging that cuts to music and arts programs in Philadelphia schools be restored.

"This is basically a community event comprised of local artists who are really showing and expressing the importance of keeping music education in the schools," said organizer Kelli Caldwell.

Kam Cooper of the alternative rap group Def-Bananas says music education helped to shape who he is.

"Not only education, it helped me as a person," Cooper said. "It helped me discover who I am and what I like to do, who I like to do it with."

Petition signatures gathered by Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth will be sent to Governor Tom Corbett and the legislature.

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