News Summary
The J.T. Moore Middle School band program has received a $50,000 donation from The Ramsey Foundation, ensuring its continuation amid budget cuts. The funds were raised during the ‘BAND TOGETHER’ campaign, which aimed to support the program after declining participation rates led to plans for its elimination. Community efforts have raised over $65,000 so far, highlighting the importance of music education for students. The principal remains hopeful for the program’s future, contingent on raising additional funds by June 30.
Nashville – The band program at J.T. Moore Middle School has been saved thanks to a generous $50,000 donation from The Ramsey Foundation. This donation came as a critical lifeline during the “BAND TOGETHER” fundraiser, which is aimed at maintaining the program after it faced elimination due to budget cuts.
The Ramsey Foundation, co-founded by Matthew Ramsey, who is also the lead singer of the band Old Dominion, presented the substantial donation during the event. The school announced earlier that the band program would be cut starting in the 2025-2026 academic year due to a significant reduction in funding, which was attributed to decreased participation rates following the retirement of a long-time band director.
In response to the funding issues, a fundraising campaign named “BAND TOGETHER” was launched by concerned parents, including Kate Cropp and Janet Macdonald. The initiative has been well-received, successfully raising over $65,000 to date, enough to hire a part-time band director for the upcoming academic year. However, the overall goal of the campaign is to reach $92,000 by June 30, in order to secure the funding necessary for a full-time band teacher and to ensure the program’s sustainability.
Principal Dr. Gary Hughes expressed optimism regarding the future of the band program, describing the current situation as a “temporary pause.” However, a contingency plan has been outlined: if adequate funding is not secured, the school will replace the band program with a choir starting next fall.
Recently, the band’s students held what may be their last concert, an event showcasing their talents and dedication. Participating students have stressed the importance of band education, highlighting how it fosters vital life skills such as teamwork and individual performance. Eighth grader Ashton Hightower noted the emotional and creative fulfillment that participation in the band provides, further emphasizing the program’s significance to students and the community.
The background context regarding the financial challenges faced by the band program stems from decreased participation levels, particularly after the retirement of a well-respected band director who had led the program for many years. This decline in engagement not only affected the program’s visibility but also led to the financial cuts that prompted the discussion of elimination. The efforts from the community to secure support indicate a strong desire among parents and students to preserve the program, which has historically been a source of pride and enrichment within the school.
The support from The Ramsey Foundation and fundraising efforts from the parents exemplify the community’s commitment to music education and the development of young musicians. The upcoming fundraising efforts are critical, as students, teachers, and parents alike hope to see the band program reinstated and thriving in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: Foundation donates $50K to save Nashville middle school band program
- Wikipedia: Music Education
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- Google Search: Nashville band program
- News Channel 5: Parents launch fundraiser to save J.T. Moore Middle School band program
- Google Scholar: Music program funding in schools
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Education
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