Solid Melody: Musicians, groups offer assistance for county music program

Published 8:01 am Friday, September 29, 2017

Expanding educational opportunities for Carter County students is the name of the game.

Capitalizing on the success of the first-year of guitar education within the district, Central Elementary is hosting a barbecue dinner, auction ceremony inside the school on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. with proceeds aimed to help sustain the music program. Tickets are $5 each and will be sold up until the day of the event at each of the county schools that offer guitar classes.

“Our goal with this event is to replenish funds that we have and help sustain the guitar program countywide,” said Dawn Taylor, Central Elementary instructor and event coordinator. “Guitars should be strung each year. With roughly 200 guitars in the county, we’re hoping to use these funds to keep the program going strong.”

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A handful of musicians are also lending help to the initiative. Taylor showcased a handful of guitars provided by bands, such as the Marshall Tucker Band, the Oak Ridge Boys and Casting Crowns.

Taylor has had the opportunity to work alongside different musicians over the past two years. During the first year of the music program, numerous musicians provided guitars with signatures to be used as a fundraiser for the program.

“The musicians are always excited to hear about the progress,” Taylor said with a smile. “You ask for one guitar to be signed, they send three. There are always times when they’ll ask for photos and updates.”

Guitars are available for auction by visiting EBay. Citizens can search for the username: Blevinsa8813 to begin placing bids. Updates on the auction and also be found by following the Central Elementary Guitar Auction Facebook page online or staying up to date with WBEJ Radio. The auction will continue until the conclusion of Thursday’s event.

And the musicians aren’t the only ones showing some love to the program. Taylor added the first-year of the program netted success at school, and this year’s pickers are enjoying the program so far.

Baskets filled with items and other raffle objects will be available Thursday. BBQ for the night is sponsored by Woodmen Life Chapter 1150.