News Summary
A guitar donation drive at Asheville Middle School, initiated by teacher Joe Hooten, is empowering students through music. The drive aims to collect a total of 50 instruments, including guitars, keyboards, and drums, to support students who may not have access to these instruments. The initiative has already provided over 25 guitars, fostering a positive response from students and strengthening the school community’s bond through informal music sessions.
Asheville, N.C. – A guitar donation drive initiated by eighth-grade social studies teacher Joe Hooten at Asheville Middle School is helping to empower students through the gift of music. The drive aims to collect guitars, keyboards, and drums, with the intention of reaching 50 instruments for the student body. Hooten, a dedicated local musician, has already distributed over 25 guitars to students, many of whom may not have the means to purchase their own.
The concept for the guitar donation drive emerged from Hooten’s past experience of providing inexpensive guitars to students in his classroom. Recognizing the positive impact of music on young people’s confidence and identity, he decided to take action and create a broader initiative to support students’ musical exploration. The drive has seen considerable success, evolving from just guitars to include keyboards, drums, and even receiving a donation of 30 violins from the Alamance-Burlington School System.
Students have demonstrated immense enthusiasm for the music program, showing reactions of disbelief and joy when they receive their instruments. Hooten even delivers some of the guitars directly to students’ homes, ensuring that access is not a barrier. Originally intended for his eighth-grade class, the initiative has opened up to students across all grades at Asheville Middle School, offering opportunities for both beginners and those with prior musical interests.
The community’s response to the donation drive has been overwhelmingly positive. Hooten hosts informal music practice sessions during lunch, creating an environment of collaboration and spontaneity among students. Participants have expressed interest in learning a variety of songs, often surprising Hooten with their musical tastes that span popular hits and timeless classics.
Through this program, Hooten aims to build self-confidence in his students while encouraging them to explore musical expression. The initiative not only cultivates a love for music but also serves to enhance the overall learning environment at the school. Donations of playable or repairable guitars and other instruments are welcomed at Asheville Middle School’s front office, available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hooten is also available for inquiries regarding donations and ways to participate in the initiative.
The guitar drive exemplifies a commitment to nurturing creativity and self-expression among students, supporting their growth not just academically but also personally through music.
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Additional Resources
- Mountain X: Guitar Drive at Asheville Middle School
- The Mountaineer: Best Public Middle Schools in Asheville
- WLOS: Asheville Parks Reopen to Help Middle Schoolers
- Mountain X: Asheville Middle Students Create Mural
- WLOS: Asheville City Schools Budget Cuts
- Wikipedia: Music Education
- Google Search: Asheville Middle School
- Google Scholar: Music Program in Schools
- Google News: Asheville Schools
- Britannica: Public School
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
