Centennial High Orchestra Receives Grant

Published February 12, 2016

Centennial High School will be getting a little more musical! This week, the CHS Strings Orchestra received a grant of $3,300 for new instruments and equipment from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Foundation, Logan’s Roadhouse and singer/songwriter Jerrod Niemann.

The check was presented February 8 in the school’s new performing arts center. Funds will be used to purchase instruments such as violins and a full sized cello, as well as new strings, tuners and microphones.

“This grant means we can branch out into different areas of contemporary music as well as the classical music the students already study on a regular basis,” said CHS Orchestra Teacher Allison Cowan.

During the ceremony, Niemann spoke to the students and encouraged them to follow their passion for music.

“Dedicating your life to music offers a unique kind of give and take,” said Neimann. “If you give it all you’ve got, music can take you anywhere.”

After the check was presented, the students joined their director onstage to celebrate what this grant means for them.

“This will allow us to explore different genres that have become popular,” said Cowan. “It will also give us a real chance to learn how the classics evolved and came to be the music these kids are hearing today.”