At the Gift of Music, one person's "we've never done that before" is our "let's make it happen." That's why, on May 10th, we hosted a first in the State of Georgia: The Georgia Marching Band Adjudicators Summit, presented by Ultimate Drillbook at Kennesaw State University. A nationally renowned panel of judges led an interactive deep dive course for more than two dozen aspiring, new, and veteran adjudicators from the competitive marching band activity. Josh Ray, Band Director at Harrison High School, said that the event was "a terrific learning and growth opportunity" and was "so thankful" he was able to attend. Another attendee, Carlos Franco, the Director of Bands at Parkview High School, called it "one of the best clinics" he's attended recently. Thank you to panelists Richard Saucedo, Dr. Chip Crotts, Michael Gray, Jeff Sacktig, and David Starnes for lending your expertise to help attendees foster consistency, accuracy, and a teaching mindset among judges. This is what our mission of impact through innovation looks like. #BecauseMusicMatters to students, to band directors, to teachers, and to everyone. Check out the photos below to see our impact in action, and keep your eyes open for more details about two more events coming up in June: The Booster Club Institute on June 6, and the Summer Teacher Tune Up from June 16-20. And if you missed the event this time, don’t worry! We have plans for expanded summit in the works for 2026 - more details will be announced in the fall. (fb)

Congratulations, graduates! Will you continue to play your instrument in college? If not, play it forward! Every single instrument donation contributes positively to our mission of increasing access to musical instruments and education for young musicians. www.giftofmusic.org/donate You can also come visit us at: 590 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 175 Marietta, GA 30060 (fb)