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Gibson Gives Partners with Give A Note in Nashville
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has partnered with Give A Note Foundation (GAN) to bring the power of music to K-12 public schools in the heart of Music City, USA. On December 3, 2019, Gibson Gives joined the Give A Note Foundation for their Generation Next Nashville Event that was held at FLYTEVU located at 700 12th Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee.
Cassadee Pope put her talents on display at FlyteVu.
Bites and sips were provided as community leaders, musicians and teachers conversed about innovations in music education and how partnerships are important in driving and improving music programs. Topping the meeting was a special performance and talk from the GRAMMY nominated, winner of The Voice, artist Cassadee Pope, along with an appearance by local musician Devon Gilfillian who is one of Give A Note's ambassadors.
A number of educators spoke including Dr. Andy Edwards - Music Director for Peachtree Ridge High School in Swanee, Georgia. He shared how he sparked interest by focusing on the technical side of things. At first, only a small number of students signed up to build guitars and amps but the numbers have steadily grown with a percentage of those kids now interested in learning how to play the instruments they made. Devon Gilfillian then performed using the student's gear. Jeff Smith and Sarah Robinson from Metro Nashville Public Schools also emphasized the importance of music programs.
Juliana Lee - GAN Strategic Development Director stated that teachers are critical - we need to invest in them as they are there with the students and they best know how to bring their kids together. Musician, Cassadee Pope affirmed that point declaring that she benefited from music education. Then she spoke about coming to Nashville after The Voice to re-connect with her country roots as a lead into "If My Heart Had A Heart" and a bit later "I've Been Good" a relatable broken relationship song. Ms. Pope presented a solid set of moving material peppered with advice such as connections can help.
Give A Note nurtures and provides support to music education programs across the country. It was founded in 2011 with an initial investment provided by 21 Century Fox and the TV show Glee. From there, Give A Note has fostered education in rural and urban areas where funding for music programs are rare. Their Music Education Innovator Award recognizes teachers who have crafted creative in-classroom curriculums and then provide ongoing support to cement these lasting changes within a district and/or school.
Music Teacher Notes offers instructors an opportunity to apply for funds that enable them to serve more students and significantly improve the music education experience in their communities. The good works of Give A Note is also sponsored by well-respected organizations including the CMA Foundation, the National Association for Music Education and Radio Disney.
FlyteVu who provided the event space is a marketing agency that connects brands to consumers through compelling storytelling, music and unique experiences. Gibson founded in 1894, is an iconic brand that as far back as 1906 believed in music education by working with teachers to get guitars into the hands of students of all ages. In 2002, the company launched the Gibson Foundation that has created, developed and supported non-profits that gives kids access to instruction and instruments. Gibson's partnership with Give A Note furthers their vision to make music matter to more people in more ways - one guitar at a time!
Scenes from the Generation Next Nashville event in Music City.
Related Links:
For more information on GIVE A NOTE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links --
Give A Note |
Gibson Foundation |
Cassadee Pope |
FlyteVu
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