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ELKINS -- As preparations for the return of the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College begin to gear up, organizers received great news last week in the form of a $50,000 Music Education Partnership Grant.
The grant was awarded to Augusta through Chorus America, and will allow the center to work with four area elementary schools with students from the third, fourth and fifth grades.
The project is scheduled to begin this upcoming school year and will create a unique choral program for the students involved. North, Midland, Third Ward and Jennings Randolph are the elementary schools in Randolph County taking part in the experience.
"I'm elated to be working with Randolph County Schools in this capacity," said Augusta Heritage Center Executive Director Seth Young. "By working together we're able to provide these resources and experiences to area students. I can't wait to see everyone experience the joy of singing together."
In the program's inaugural year, Chorus America will provide $900,000 to grant partners across four regions that are focuses for this new funding partnership
The program will fund projects designed to increase access to choral music education and promote non-arts learning and cultural literacy, all while upholding the principles of access, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Throughout the course of the upcoming school year, master artists will visit each of the four Randolph County schools and teach students songs from different cultures. School music teachers will collaborate with members of the Augusta staff on rehearsals and continued learning. The project will be capped off by a special concert that will be accompanied by a meal, which will feature foods from cultures the students have studied.
"This project will bring a taste of the world to Elkins students," Augusta Artistic Director Emily Miller said. "They will learn beautiful songs from Bulgaria and Cuba as well as American gospel and Appalachian music from an incredible group of teachers and singers. We hope that this experience will inspire curiosity about the wider world and about our rich local musical traditions as well."
Augusta's classes are scheduled to begin on July 10 and run through July 29. The three-week class sessions will conclude with the Augusta Festival and Augusta Block Party on July 30. The festival will take place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Elkins City Park.
Registration is currently open for Augusta classes. For more information, visit augustaartsandculture.org.