Bennett's Boost for New Orleans

6 months ago 02nd May 06:30

Tony Bennett is helping New Orleans to rock again - he has handed out dozens of new instruments to help local kids take up music.

The legendary singer joined a scheme to rejuvenate the Louisiana city'smusical history after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Local schools have received $100,000 (£67,000) worth of tubas, trumpets and trombones to encourage children to learn - and Bennett was on hand to give them out on Thursday (30Apr09).

These kids are amazing. What I heard today was real music.Tony Bennett

The veteran crooner was treated to performances by Kipp Believe College Prep's symphonic and jazz bands during the presentation.

He says, "This means instruments will be available to these students for years to come, to continue making music history in New Orleans. These kids are amazing. What I heard today was real music. They played with feeling, with such heart".