MARION, SC – Thanks to your donations, KTBA donated lesson books, boxes of reeds for the woodwind instruments, and supplies to the music program at Johnakin Middle School!
The town of Marion is located in the Northeastern region of the state, just twenty miles east of Florence. It’s concert and pep bands have been known to stir up the crowd, but those days are numbered.
“My students were a great, driven, and fun group of kids who lacked the materials needed to pursue music further,” Ms. Tepedino explained. “When I first started at [Johnakin Middle School], I encountered the issue that the school did not have the funds to properly provide drum sticks, reeds, and method books for the students. My goal was to get a classroom set of method books for the students and a few extra pairs of drumsticks, and boxes of reeds for the students.”
Band is considered to be a voluntary elective at Johnakin Middle. However, while the students were proud to be an active part of their local community, they were struggling to find the funds necessary to help provide for this program. It’s continuity was jeopardized.
“To the community, the students, and myself, we found this program to be a vital part of [the school curriculum] however, the funding was just not there to help us grow,” Ms. Tepedino adds.
Traditions of Excellence instrumental method books – like the ones chosen for this project – are some of the most widely used and time-tested curricula for modern band programs. Ranging from percussion, strings, brass, woodwinds, and everything in-between, Tradition of Excellence books cover the entire spectrum of band repertoire.
“My personal project, since coming to this school, was to help build a music program that would make my students proud,” she adds. “My children have worked hard for the things they have already achieved. They really have been patient as I acquire the materials as I can, but it has been a long tedious process.”
Thanks to the generosity of Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers like YOU, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to fund Ms. Tepedino’s music project.
Ms. Tepedino expresses her gratitude:
Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc.,
Words cannot even begin to describe how much I appreciate the generosity and the willingness to help the JMS Band Program. As a first year teacher, you never really realize how much you rely on the donations from people as well as yourself. Thank you for this selfless act of kindness. With gratitude, Ms. Tepedino Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation is a 501c3 organization that makes a donation to a school in need of music instruments, supplies, sheet music, and more every week! Your donation helps us to keep music in schools, while preserving blues heritage. Without your support, we would not be able to reach as many students around the country. We are grateful for your generosity.”
To date, KTBA has reached over 60,000 students. If you would like to help us to continue to grow, click here to make a donation! All donations are fully tax-deductible!
Thank you for keeping music education in schools!
