During fall of 2021 Vernon Middle School music teachers Jennifer Adams and Michelle Waymire submitted a funded Marion School Foundation grant to purchase a new tenor saxophone for the middle school band.
Per the application, “The tenor saxophone fills in the sounds of the lower voices of our concert band and is an instrument that clarinet and alto saxophone players often rent from Vernon to fill out our jazz band’s saxophone section and provide a well-balanced jazz band, which is crucial as our jazz band performs at concerts and competitions.”
In a letter of support Vernon Middle School Principal Phil Cochran noted, “This will have a tremendous impact on our band program and will be used by school and jazz bands for at least the next twenty to thirty years.”
We are excited to share that the new saxophone has been purchased and is being used by a band student. In a final grant report staff noted, “The new tenor saxophone has been beneficial in being able to provide a sixth grade student with an instrument that responds with beautiful sound and quick action. This is a motivator to his development, and provides him with the encouragement that he needs to continue in band and will enable him to participate in jazz band.”
The Marion Foundation’s grant program provides teachers an opportunity to receive funding for projects that benefit students in the Marion Independent School District. Grants are made possible because of generous contributions the Foundation receives throughout the year from both businesses and individuals as well as a number of educational funds that are invested with the Foundation for long-term benefit. This project was also made possible by the support of a private donor interested in promoting music in the school.