News Summary
The Ramsey Foundation has donated $50,000 to save the concert band program at J.T. Moore Middle School, which faced elimination due to funding issues. This donation follows a successful fundraising campaign called ‘BAND TOGETHER,’ which has already raised over $65,000 to support music education. Matthew Ramsey will present the check at a ceremony, while community members continue to rally support for the program, emphasizing the importance of music education in students’ lives and futures.
Nashville, TN — The Ramsey Foundation has made a significant contribution of $50,000 to preserve the concert band program at J.T. Moore Middle School. This donation comes in response to the school’s announcement in March that the band program would be eliminated for the 2025-2026 school year due to funding issues.
Matthew Ramsey, the lead singer of the popular country band Old Dominion and co-founder of The Ramsey Foundation, is scheduled to present the check on Tuesday, June 24, at a ceremony starting at 10:00 a.m. This event will take place at J.T. Moore Middle School, located at 4425 Granny White Pike.
The potential elimination of the band program sparked concern among parents, leading to the launch of a fundraising initiative called “BAND TOGETHER.” The campaign has been successful, raising over $65,000, enough to hire a part-time band director for the upcoming school year. However, the overall fundraising goal is $92,000, and organizers are actively soliciting donations until June 30 to secure funding for a full-time band teacher.
In addition to Matthew Ramsey, campaign leaders Kate Cropp and Janet Macdonald, along with Principal Dr. Gary Hughes, will be present at the check presentation. Students and community supporters are encouraged to wear red or J.T. Moore shirts during the event to show their enthusiasm and support for the band program.
The decline in participation in the band program this year can be attributed to the retirement of a long-time band director, which has impacted the funding available for the program. Principal Hughes commented on the invaluable role the band program plays in the students’ educational journey, indicating that the current challenges may represent only a temporary setback.
Should the necessary funding not be secured, the school has indicated plans to replace the band program with a choir beginning next fall. This potential shift is concerning to many parents, who stress the importance of music education as it provides essential life skills, including teamwork and leadership. They believe that music education plays a crucial role in shaping students’ futures, particularly as they transition to high school and beyond.
The recent fundraising efforts culminated in a concert that showcased the students’ musical talents, potentially marking one of the final performances for the band as they rally support to save the program. The ongoing commitment of parents and community members illustrates a strong desire to maintain a robust and enriching music curriculum for the students at J.T. Moore Middle School.
As the check presentation approaches, excitement is building within the school community, and hopes remain high that the additional funds will be raised to ensure the continuation of the band program, allowing students to continue to explore their musical passions.
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: Foundation donates $50K to save Nashville middle school band program
- NewsChannel 5: Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey donates $50,000 to save Nashville middle school band program
- Tennessean: Old Dominion Nashville J.T. Moore middle band donation
- Wikipedia: Music education in the United States
- Google Search: Music education importance
Author: HERE Nashville
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