Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Press release here:
On April 5, the Asheville Music School (AMS) hosts its inaugural fund-raiser for the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund (PTMEF). Since Paul’s passing in late 2011, a core group of teachers have taken over the school, developed it into a non-profit organization, and started the PTMEF scholarship fund in honor of the late AMS director.
The Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund provides underserved students with scholarships for music lessons and instruments, and covers the costs of music outreach programs that benefit underserved and elderly members of the community. In the near future, the PTMEF also plans to provide private and group music lessons and instruments to at-risk youth and foster children in collaboration with the Department of Social Services. With public school arts and music funding being slashed, the AMS and PTMEF feel that this cause is extremely important in the growth of our youth culture and education.
A fund-raiser on April 5 marks AMS’s first official benefit for the PTMEF. The event will feature performances by our AMS Sound Education outreach ensembles, including the AMS Student Jazz Ensemble, two pop/rock ensembles, and a classical chamber trio, all lead by AMS teachers. These ensembles, made up of students ages 10-16, have performed in area hospitals and assisted-living facilities, bridging generations by establishing on-going relationships between youth and elders. Through funding from the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund, these ensembles are aiming to further develop their outreach performances in our community.
Throughout the month of March our students are participating in our first ever Practice-a-Thon to raise money for the PTMEF. On April 5 we will be crowing our Practice King and Queen!
FRIDAY, APRIL 5 at Asheville Music School
6:30 pm
$15 suggested donation
Wine and small bites available Tickets available at the door or at www.ashevillemusicschool.com
AMS is located at
126 College St.
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252-6244
The teachers who have picked up after Paul are doing a great job. It’s a great downtown location and the school is an asset to Asheville