The Hot Springs Jazz Society recently donated a drum set to the Cutter Morning Star School District as part of its outreach programs.
\r\n"The Hot Springs Jazz Society presents wonderful programs, concerts, and a variety of musical events, but also has the very vital mission of assisting in music education projects," a news release said.
\r\n"The most notable of these is the summer Jazz Camp programs. Each summer, the Jazz Society offers scholarships enabling young aspiring students with an interest in Jazz to attend weeklong jazz camps at nearby universities. These experiences not only help those students attending, but of equal importance is the carry-over education brought to the other band students. Another outreach of the Jazz Society is aiding area schools with equipment to assist in their Jazz education," it said.
\r\nCynthia Graham, band director, said she is excited about starting a jazz band at her school, according to the release.
\r\n"She has several young, enthusiastic players, eager to delve into this new experience. She comes to Cutter Morning Star with previous teaching experience at Palestine-Wheatley School District," it said.
\r\n"Thank you so much for this wonderful donation. It will give us much better sound, but more importantly, help with the music education of students for years to come," Graham said in the release.
\r\nStudents that are interested in the Summer Jazz Camp program can email Executive Director Gretchen Miller at hsjazzsociety@gmail.com.
Jazz Society board member Jim Kelly, left, Cutter-Morning Star Band director Cynthia Graham and aspiring drummer Aaron Robinson, seated, with a drum set donated by the Jazz Society. - Submitted photo