ATLANTA—The College of the Arts at Georgia State University continued its commitment to making a difference in Atlanta’s neighborhoods and communities by supporting arts education in local public elementary schools. Through a partnership with the Rockley Family Foundation, and their generous donation of new instruments to its School of Music, the College of the Arts provided T.H. Slater Elementary School with band instruments to complement their growing music program. As a newly revitalized Purpose Built School and in partnership with the East Lake Foundation, Slater is on a trajectory for success with dozens of young musicians who are anxious to launch their music education to new heights.
Visiting foundation members and university representatives were treated to a performance by the Slater Elementary School Chorus of their school song as well as Bill Wither’s hit “Lovely Day.”
Despite the reception’s location in the school’s normally staid library, rules were suspended while the students excitedly opened the cases and got a first look at their new instruments. Trumpets and trombones blared and flutes tweeted in a lively conversation as students enthusiastically tested their talents.
“Helping students connect with a musical instrument for the first time is always a moving experience for me,” said Dean Wade Weast of the College of the Arts. “Part of our mission at the College of the Arts is to expand our footprint into the local community. Here at Slater Elementary, the skills students will acquire through their music education will serve as a foundation for sustained academic excellence.”
This program began in 2016 with Thomasville Heights Elementary School, the first recipients of new instruments from the School of Music.
On behalf of the College of the Arts at Georgia State University, Dean Weast extends special thanks to the Rockley Family Foundation, the East Lake Foundation, Purpose Built Schools, and the staff and faculty of the T.H. Slater Elementary School for their roles in making this special occasion possible.