BYMS Initiative a Success

Published March 21, 2013

More Williamson County students will now have the opportunity to participate in the performing arts thanks to the generosity of WCS staff, parents, community members and local businesses.

Throughout the month of March, WCS collected donations of gently used or new band and string instruments as part of the district's Bring Your Music to Schools (BYMS) initiative. The campaign was created as a way to increase the availability of performing arts to students.

Members of both the Williamson County and Davidson County communities rallied to support WCS music programs. More than 25 instruments were donated including guitars, saxophones, flutes, clarinets, trumpets, violins, a drum set and a trombone. The Nashville Symphony even obtained the donation of a tuba for Fairview Middle School from music instrument manufacturer KHS America.

Shuff’s Music is currently in the process of valuing the donations and making any needed repairs. All in-kind donations including instruments, performance venue and symphony musicians are estimated to be around $10,000.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the schools and the community on this project," said WCS Fine Arts Curriculum Specialist Melissa Dufrechou. "I've been taken aback by the tremendous amount of time and support we've received from so many people including generous donations from teachers, administrators, central office staff and community members."

Franklin Theatre Concert

The initiative culminated Saturday, March 16 with a concert at the Franklin Theatre, featuring the Nashville Symphony String Quartet. The Hillsboro Jazz Band and the Ravenwood String Orchestra opened for the quartet, demonstrating the impact that community engagement can have on the quality of schools.

"The Nashville Symphony was proud to partner with Williamson County Schools for the instrument drive," said Blair Bodine, director of education and community engagement for the Nashville Symphony. "The concert at the Franklin Theatre helped remind me how music, from school programs to symphony concerts, thrives only when it is supported and celebrated by the community."

Hillsboro Band Director Cameron Gish said having the opportunity to perform alongside the Nashville Symphony inside a historic venue like the Franklin Theatre was a real thrill for his students.

"They worked really hard in the weeks and months leading up to the performance, including rehearsals after school and on Saturday mornings," said Gish. "Their performance on Saturday was a true reflection of their hard work and dedication to music and our school, and I couldn’t be more proud."