SILER CITY, N.C. — Music students at Jordan-Matthews High School have new instruments to play and more opportunity to learn thanks to a contribution from New Horizons Band and Chorus of the Triangle, a local nonprofit group of adult musicians who have decided to disband after challenges reorganizing from the pandemic shutdowns.

“We were so sorry to hear about their decision to disband, but we’re grateful that their musical legacy will live on in the lives of so many high school musicians who now have opportunities they would never have enjoyed before,” said Rose Pate, president of JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, that accepted the contribution on behalf of the school. “We already have students ready to make the most of this generous gift.”

Valued at more than $30,000, the contribution from the band and members Betty and John King includes seven musical instruments, sheet music, a portable sound system and a $4,000 cash donation for the school’s band and choral music programs.

Pate said that many students would like to learn to play, but are not in a position to purchase or rent instruments. This gives them an opportunity they would not have had before. “One of our students has said for a long time that she wanted to learn the French Horn, but that was not even possible until we received this contribution, which includes a professional horn with a detachable bell. What a difference this will make for all of our musicians.”

Sara Bird, the New Horizons Band treasurer, was happy that the donation was so needed. “The Kings and I have fond memories of playing in high school band and singing in the chorus,” she said. “These were important lifetime skills that have provided equally enjoyable years after retirement. We hoped our donation would provide these same opportunities to young students.”

Jordan-Matthews Band Director Aaron Partin said he was amazed when he learned about the donation. “When I saw all of the items on the donation list, I was speechless,” he said. “These are concert-quality instruments that will be essential, amazing assets for our band program.”

And chorus teacher Allison Blaylock agreed with what it means for music students, saying that the high-quality, portable sound system and microphones will give vocalists more options to perform, especially in remote venues.

JMArts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing opportunity for Jordan-Matthews student actors, dancers, musicians and visual artists. Their most prominent initiative is the JMArts Scholars program that has awarded 89 scholarships to 60 students for intensive study over the summer, usually at weeklong, residential workshops offered on university campuses.

But the group does much more. It takes students over spring break to experience the pinnacle of their arts in its five-day New York Arts Adventure, offers the annual Sing and Play student music competition in February and produces the school’s annual musical, working with Jordan-Matthews faculty, staff and students.

This year’s musical is the North Carolina School Premiere of “Frozen,” the first-ever production of the full Broadway musical in the state. Jordan-Matthews received the rights in a national competition with public performances scheduled for April 19-21.

More about JMArts, including the school's statewide premiere of “Frozen,” is available at jmarts.org.

# # # # #