The Alcovy High School choral program is hitting the right notes after receiving a $10,000 Keys + Kids Piano Grant from VH1. According to the list released by VH1, Alcovy High is one of only 18 schools in the nation and the only school in Georgia to receive the grant, which consists of $10,000 worth of musical instruments, a Casio Celviano Grand Hybrid GP-500 Piano, and three Casio WK-7600 Music Workstations.

“Pianos often serve as the nucleus for many arts programs in schools,” said Chiho Okuizumi Feindler, director of grantees and compliance for VH1 Save the Music Foundation. “Not only does a quality piano serve general and instrumental music, but it also influences theater programs, dance programs and choral groups. Additionally, a piano magically creates a sense of unity, bringing together students, teachers, parents and community members for school concerts and performances of all kinds. In response to the growing need for high-quality, functional pianos, and to provide even more students with a safe and inclusive community to be outstanding through the arts, VH1 Save The Music Foundation created the Keys + Kids Piano Grant Program, available to all K-12 public schools with a full-time certified music teacher who teaches music as part of the regular school day.”

According to Chantae Pittman, director of choral activities for Alcovy High School, the Celviano Grand Piano will replace the aging keyboard used previously in the chorus room while the three Casio workstation keyboards will be used by section leaders and music theory students to help teach parts, reinforce keyboard skills and train the ear.

“I am very appreciative of VH1’s Save the Music Program and the Keys and Kids Grant committee for awarding this awesome instrument package to Alcovy,” said Pittman. “It will greatly increase musicianship across the board. I have already began using all instruments for instruction and I have already seen benefits of the new piano and keyboards.”

“Ms. Pittman is always striving to enhance her students’ educational experience,” said Dr. Sandra Owens, principal of Alcovy High School. “Applying for the VH1 grant is just one of the many things she does to prepare, enable and equip her students for excellence. This equipment will enrich their musical training and deepen their love for the arts.”

About VH1 Save the Music Foundation

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America’s public schools and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Founded in 1997, VH1 Save The Music was the first organization in existence dedicated to restoring music programs in America’s schools. For more than 18 years, they have donated over $52 million worth of new musical instruments to over 2,000 public schools in 247 school districts around the country — impacting the lives of more than 3 million public school students to date.