snow and trees with bubbles of pictures of students and performers

Recently Leotha and Tamera Stanley of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church put on their 13th annual Gospel Carols Concert. As part of the event, Mr. Stanley has worked to support music education for young students of color by giving out free violins and violas to several young musicians each year. 

Last year, three MCPASD students received instruments. This year, two Glacier Creek 8th graders received violas. During the concert, Mr. Stanley asked the students to come up in front and perform a short tune. Middleton High School Orchestra Teacher Steve Kurr and Glacier Creek Middle School Orchestra Teacher Nancy Kurr also joined in on the special performance. 

In addition, Leotha invited past viola/violin recipients to play along to show their progress. Madison Symphony conductor John Demain was also invited on stage to speak. Current MHS 9th graders Giancarlo and Sean also joined this year. "It is incredible, the mark Leotha and Tamera leave on this community and our young musicians," Said Steve Kurr. 

Thank you to Leotha and Tamera Stanley for their advocacy of music education and for hosting a wonderful concert!