BOWIE, MD— On Tuesday, January 13th, Stephen R. Elville, President and Founder of The Elville Center for the Creative Arts, met with the administration and teachers of Benjamin Tasker Middle School to provide musical instruments to the school’s students and music department.
The Elville Center is a non-profit corporation that provides musical instruments, musical instrument rental, music lessons, and participation in music-related activities to and for children of all ages throughout Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region.
The partnership between the school and The Elville Center began when Benjamin Tasker 8th-grader Daniel Coleman heard an announcement about The Elville Center while listening to his favorite classical music station, 91.5 WBJC. Daniel took the initiative to contact the station and a partnership blossomed that came to fruition Tuesday with the instrument donation event. However, the partnership does not end there; in fact, it was just the beginning. Plans are underway through The Elville Center for future instrument donations as well as support for the school’s spring musical.
“The Elville Center is extremely pleased and gratified to provide instruments and support to the students and faculty of Benjamin Tasker Middle School,” remarked Mr. Elville. “I am very proud to know student Daniel Coleman, and his mother, PTSO President Ann Marie Coleman, whose dream of musical instruments for all music students at Benjamin Tasker was the impetus for our involvement. I also want to thank the donors of this first flight of instruments whose kindness and vision made this possible. Special thanks also goes to school Principal, Ms. I. Michelle Johnson, along with music teachers, Mr. Kevin Gillis, Mr. Titus Peck and Mr. Aaron Knopp, for their extraordinary dedication and commitment to the students.”
Since its inception in mid-2014, The Elville Center has been working to form partnerships with local and regional businesses, schools and other non-profit organizations interested in suporting its mission, which include current valued partners WBJC, local Music & Arts Centers and The Columbia Orchestra.
Over the months, generous donors have provided instruments ranging from clarinets to violins, flutes to cellos, trumpets and even a rare Hawaiian ukulele. The Elville Center then takes these instruments to its Music & Arts Center partner and pays for their refurbishment so students receive an instrument in excellent condition that The Elville Center is proud to deliver and the students are excited to play.
The delivery of the first wave of instruments was met with much excitement from the PTSO and students at Benjamin Tasker.
“Thank you so very much for the delivery today,” said Mrs. Coleman. “Daniel shared with his last period class the delivery news and by the time he got home I had three text messages from excited students! We look forward to working with The Elville Center in the future to continue the gift of music at Tasker!”
Along with its partnership with Benjamin Tasker Middle, The Elville Center is actively working with other schools and students of all ages to provide the gift of music. Not only does The Elville Center provide instrument donation, it aims to improve the quality of life of children by providing them the opportunity to learn music theory as well as experience cultural events related to the musical and creative arts.
“I hope this event sparks the imaginations of other donors,” remarked Mr. Elville. “We are looking forward to continuing the project of re-equipping the Music Department at Benjamin Tasker and addressing the needs of music students throughout the region.”
If you are interested in The Elville Center For the Creative Arts and would like to learn more, or if you would like to make a donation or pledge, please contact Jeff Stauffer at 443-676-9691 or complete the form below.
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