Jefferson County Schools is thrilled to highlight the generosity of Friends of Music, a Shepherdstown-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering musical excellence in our schools. During the second nine weeks, Friends of Music awarded three $400 grants to support music education programs across our district. These donations have given students important tools to improve their learning and grow in their music skills.
Blue Ridge Primary School
Blue Ridge Primary School's youngest musicians received a $400 grant to help buy a Sonor-brand sub-contrabass bar for kindergarten through second grade music classes. Music teacher Cheryl LaVigne emphasized the importance of this addition.
“This instrument is perfect for demonstrating the contrast between low and high sounds,” LaVigne said. “It’s also easier for younger students to use a single-bar instrument compared to a multi-bar xylophone. The sub-contrabass bar is an incredible tool for building foundational music skills!”
Wildwood Middle School
The WMS music program received a $400 grant to expand its keyboard lab. The funds were used to purchase additional keyboards, stands, and headphones. According to music teacher Molly Wildman, this expansion allows more students to work independently while learning to read music and explore various musical styles.
“The keyboard lab is an essential tool for fostering student growth in music education,” Wildman said. “This grant has made it possible for us to provide greater opportunities for all of our students.”
Washington High School
The WHS band program also benefited from Friends of Music’s support, receiving a $400 grant to purchase a bass pickup and new trumpet mutes. Assistant band director Matthew Holmes said these tools are essential for improving the band’s performances.
“The bass pickup ensures listeners can hear the upright bass through the amplifier Friends of Music generously donated last year,” Holmes said. “The trumpet mutes will help our jazz band students perform classic jazz charts with greater authenticity.”
Each of these grants are part of the Friends of Music’s annual program, which helps fund instruments and music supplies not typically included in school budgets. The program relies on grant applications submitted by music teachers and is generously supported by Ecolab.
JCS is truly thankful to Friends of Music for their strong support of our students and music teachers. Their ongoing generosity helps keep music education alive and thriving in our schools. Together, we’re giving students the chance to grow their musical skills and share the joy of music with others.