Many of us were shocked and disappointed when Dr. Hughes announced on March 28 that the concert band program needed to be cut. The reason is due to budgetary restrictions and recent acute, and hopefully temporary, decreased enrollment in band.

Besides a solid music education, band builds listening, communication and teamwork skills in our children. Middle school band is the feeder to concert and marching band programs at high school. Despite being in an affluent neighborhood, many of our students qualify for free or reduced lunches. Paying for private lessons is just not an option.

The PTO is fundraising to support the Concert Band program at JT Moore. 

• The cost of hiring a new band teacher to continue the band program is approximately $92k/year.
• It is our hope and expectation that after 1-2 years, the band program will regain its numbers to become self-sustaining.
• Any funds collected that we are not able to use for the concert band program will be used to support music education JT Moore more broadly.

We know this is a really big ask, especially on such short notice. As well as donations from current, future and former JT Moore families, we are looking for community partners from the broader Music City.

Spread the word!