Kelsea Ballerini Helps the CMA Foundation Donate $1 Million to Nashville Public Education Foundation for Music Education
"It mattered to me when I was young, it matters to me now,” Ballerini explained of the importance of music education in schools.
The one forever thriving aspect that Nashville has got going for itself is its devotion to the musical arts in all formats and aspects. The CMA Foundation teamed up with the Music Makes Us Foundation to give back and encourage the development of music education in local schools even further with a very generous donation of $1 million to Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Held at Oliver Middle School in Nashville, members from the local Nashville government, school board directors and CMA employees all gathered to take part in the groundbreaking announcement, with special guest Kelsea Ballerini standing in to award the district with the funding.
Showing off their unmatched skills with the playing of the composition, “Imaginarium,” the Oliver Middle School Wind Ensemble put on quite the beautiful production and showed off their musical abilities with stellar dedication throughout the entire performance. The band, which is made up of 75 talented players, has been known to win awards at local, regional and state competitions. Music provided in their school day has definitely influenced their lives in a positive manner, and CMA feels honored to be a part of that creative discovery for children.
“As you briefly mentioned, our financial commitment to Metro education and Metro Nashville Public Schools couldn’t be made without our artists in the community and the time they give to CMA Music Festival every year. We’re so fortunate to have an artist community that’s engaged and supportive in our efforts beyond the festival,” said Sarah Trahern, CEO of CMA.
Ballerini then spoke about her direct experience on how music education deeply changed her life for the better, as it taught her about her true passion within music and the knowledge needed in order to further that love into her successful career. Thanking her high school choral teacher for guiding her to her devotion to music, Ballerini also pointed out the importance of allowing musical creativity within the halls of schools everywhere.
“To think about doing [music education] in school is you have to work for it, you have to learn about it. You have to have the education to back up the talent and it’s so important to have that drive and the determination and the brains behind the talent. It’s important to have that. So I just want to say to Music Makes Us and CMA, what you’re doing is so incredible and so important. It matters. It mattered to me when I was young, it matters to me now,” Ballerini said to all in attendance.
After the handing of the $1 million check from CMA to Metro Nashville Schools, the country star elaborated more on her music education evolution and how her career is all thanks to attending choir classes throughout her regular schooling.
“Like I said, I had the opportunities when I was in school to learn what I loved and I’ve gotten to make a career out of that now because I learned that I loved it,” she told Sounds Like Nashville and other media. “So I think it’s so important for kids to have that outlet to learn and see if they discover a passion. Like, it’s really important, so stoked to be here.”
Ballerini just recently received a GRAMMY nomination for Best New Artist and will be celebrating by playing a few more shows before the end of 2016. Fans can check out dates and tickets on her website.
