RALEIGH, N.C.–SECU and the SECU Foundation has provided a new vehicle to the North Carolina Symphony to support expanding music education for students, teachers, and families across the state.
A $59,400 grant from the SECU Foundation provided funding for the custom-designed van equipped to transport up to five Symphony musicians, their instruments, and staff members to areas in the state with limited access to concerts and education programs. Officials from State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) and SECU Foundation were on hand for the unveiling of the vehicle, which is personalized with a unique van wrap to highlight the North Carolina Symphony and SECU Foundation partnership.
The NC Symphony works in conjunction with the NC Department of Public Instruction to develop programs within its music education curriculum, including a focus on the impact music education has in areas such as math, reading, and intellectual and social development. The orchestra hosts an average of 50 school concerts/programs annually and receives more requests than they can meet.
The new van will provide the organization with the capacity to provide more offerings of its Ensemble in the Schools, Music Discovery, and Instrument Zoos programs, expanding the reach for an additional 1,000 individuals to experience orchestral pieces played by world-class talent.
“Music has a greater impact in our lives than we may realize – it brings people together to feel more connected,” remarked Mike Lord, president and CEO of State Employees’ Credit Union and the SECU Foundation. “It’s truly impressive that NC Symphony musicians performed for more than 8,000 students, teachers, and parents last year through these enrichment programs. It’s exciting to know that number is going to grow even more because of the new van. We are proud to support the North Carolina Symphony’s longstanding commitment to statewide service and music education!”
“The North Carolina Symphony is grateful for this very generous gift from the SECU Foundation,” says NC Symphony President & CEO Sandi Macdonald. “Our new van will safely and efficiently transport musicians and their instruments to dozens of North Carolina counties each year, ensuring that thousands of students throughout our state have access to live classical music experiences of the highest quality.”