Clarke Receives Les Paul Foundation Grant

Clarke University is pleased to announce it was among a select group to receive a grant from the Les Paul Foundation. As part of the grant award, the university will host a concert celebrating the works and musical contributions of Les Paul on April 11 beginning at 7 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

In a unique collaboration, Clarke University students will perform alongside groups from Dubuque Senior High School and North Scott High School. Sound design equipment purchased as part of the grant will also record the performances.

“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to provide new equipment and resources to our performances and event programming,” said Rob Stull, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Activities at Clarke University. “We are honored to contribute to the continuing legacy of Les Paul on the world of music.”   

Beyond the concert, the equipment supported the launch of an 8-week sound design class, Collegiate Jazz Night, and an award-winning presentation for Clarke’s Celebration of Scholarship on March 23.

About the Les Paul Foundation  

Les Paul, the gold-record recording artist, inventor, songwriter and entertainer, established his foundation to support and encourage young musicians and innovators. The Les Paul Foundation inspires innovative and creative thinking by sharing the legacy of Les Paul through support of music education, recording, innovation, STEM and STEAM programs, music therapy for military veterans struggling with PTSD, and medical research related to curing tinnitus.  

The Les Paul Foundation, an approved IRC 501 (c)3 organization, has awarded almost $5,000,000 to non-profit organizations throughout the United States that share Les Paul’s story. For more information about Les Paul, his foundation and the grant process, visit: https://www.les-paul.com/the-foundation/#about.