W.Va. (WTRF) -- Governor Jim Justice joined West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History Curator Randall Reid Smith to present 25 grants to different organizations in the Ohio Valley.
Save the Music, a program dedicated to providing instruments, music books, and other equipment to middle school bands throughout the region, was among one of the programs that inspired the 40,000-dollar grant issued to both Cameron High School and Moundsville Middle School.
Christian Oliver, director of bands at the Cameron schools, and Sue Lewicki, band director for Moundsville Middle School, are both excited that there are new instruments available to students who may not have had the opportunity to buy or rent one for themselves.
“Well, here’s a trumpet I can get for 20 bucks, I have to fix it for like 400 – I don’t have to worry about that anymore and these kids don’t have to worry about that. So, when they say I want to do band, but I don’t think I can get an instrument, no problem I’ve got you covered.”
Christian Oliver - director of bands at the Cameron Schools
“I just think the more that the state supports us, the more opportunities we can provide for our students.”
Sue Lewicki - band director for Moundsville Middle School
“I just think the more that the state supports us, the more opportunities we can provide for our students.”
Kennedi Lilley, 8th grade band student at Cameron High School
The noteworthy grant has been music to the ears of students and teachers alike. All are excited to hear how the Marshall County band programs will grow in the future, thanks to Save the Music.
Additionally, in 2025, the Cameron marching band will be showing off their new instruments in the National Independence Day Parade, held in Washington, D.C., representing the state of West Virginia.
