Keeping the Blues Alive Donates Portable Keyboards to Middle School Music Program

Teacher Name: Ms. Mandy Papenbrock

Duncan U. Fletcher Middle School

Jacksonville Beach, FL – Thanks to your donations, KTBA donated seven (7) brand new portable keyboards to the music program at Duncan U. Fletcher Middle School!

Yamaha, one of the biggest music instrument manufacturers of all time, has been a longtime advocate for the advancement of music education in schools. Their completely approachable method books, instruments, and music education programs have been a stable for schools all over the country. With the right amount of eager students and a patient, musically skilled teacher, Yamaha brings out the best in young musicians.

“Our students are talented and creative beyond measure!” Ms. Papenbrock exclaims.

“They are unique individuals who truly want to learn and are enthusiastic about what our school has to offer! They aren’t afraid to try new things and are always coming up with amazing and creative ideas.”

[Duncan U. Fletcher Middle] have been struggling with old pianos that often break, however, the students have remained enthusiastic and positive.

“They are determined to learn and work hard to take care of the equipment that we do have,” Mandy says. “Your support with new keyboards will make a world of difference! Learning to play the piano offers students a way to explore music and learn a fine motor skill that they can carry with them throughout their lives. As they explore music, they open doors to history, culture, mathematics and more in a fun and exciting way!”

With a new set of keyboards to practice theory concepts and learn songs, students at Duncan Fletcher will be able to participate in school functions and beyond.

Thanks to the generosity of Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to donate these brand new keyboards to Ms. Papenbrock’s music program. Now, every child will have an opportunity to get hands-on learning time with the instruments and provide a greater and wholesome learning experience from week to week. Additionally, the students will have another avenue of expression to help them break from the regular routine of the academic tracks, and release that energy in a positive and productive way.

Every week, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation makes a donation to a school in need of music instruments, supplies, sheet music, and more! Your donation helps us to keep music in schools, while preserving blues heritage.

If you would like to help us fund next week’s project, click here to make a donation! All donations are fully tax-deductible!

Thank you for keeping music education in schools!

Shawn Hagood for Keeping the Blues Alive