As recovery efforts in Humphreys County approach the three-month mark following devastating flooding that killed 20 and destroyed hundreds of homes, 22-time GRAMMY Award winner Vince Gill and singer/songwriter Alex Hall were on hand at Waverly Central High School earlier this week to announce an uplifting surprise.
As Gill and Hall surprised a Monday morning student assembly with the news, KHS America revealed donation of $100,000 worth of musical instruments to completely replace and upgrade everything that the Waverly high school and junior high school bands lost in the recent flood.
“I’m a small town minded guy. I know what it feels like. This is a place where everybody knows everybody,” Gill shared with “CBS Mornings” host Mark Strassmann, who was on hand in Waverly to document the event. “I often feel like we should be like this all the time. That’s my dream. Let’s not just be kind when somebody’s struggling; let’s just be kind.” Watch the full segment HERE.
“Most people were smiling; I could see the glowing intentions in their eyes,” added seventh grade clarinetist Harmony Sanders, whose family lost her home in the flood. “I think everybody can just be happier now and have less weight on their shoulders.”
KHS America, which was connected with band director Joseph Bullington as well as Gill and Hall via the CMA Foundation, donated over 40 instruments from their brands: Jupiter wind instruments, Majestic concert percussion (including concert toms, a concert bass drum and a concert snare drum, as well as a marimba and a xylophone), three XO Brass professional trombones and a Mapex drum set. Percussion tables and a bell stand from Hercules were also included.
“KHS was founded on the principles of changing lives through music and the knowledge that music and music education are essential to society,” noted Jerry Goldenson, President of KHS America. “Supporting this incredible music program and being a part of this relief effort is something very special that will surely have a positive impact on the lives of young people and the community of Waverly as a whole. It’s an honor to be able to provide even a small bit of assistance.”
The donation offered a moment of hope for a community still rebuilding from the tragedy that struck on August 21, with many residents still displaced from their homes. To contribute to ongoing recovery efforts via the United Way of Humphreys County, text 44321 to TNFLOODRELIEF.
About KHS America
KHS America is dedicated to the enrichment of lives through music performance and education by providing high-quality musical instruments and services designed to support musicians, educators and retail partners. A primary core value of KHS America is the belief that music is an essential part of life for every individual and that it provides a positive contribution to society as a whole.
About Vince Gill
One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” which won both the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a GRAMMY. Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, including Song of the Year four times – making him the most-awarded artist in that category in CMA history. Since 1990, Gill has won 22 GRAMMY Awards. A wide-ranging songwriter, his compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. The Academy of Country Music has conferred on Gill eight awards, including its prestigious Home Depot Humanitarian Award and the 2011 Career Achievement Award. Gill was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1991. In August 2012, Gill was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Gill has produced albums for The Time Jumpers, Amy Grant and Ashley Monroe and has made guest appearances on more than 1000 albums, including those by Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, George Jones and others. In 2017, Gill was invited to perform with the Eagles for a number of festival shows and continues to join them onstage. For a full list of tour dates, news, images and more, visit www.VinceGill.com.
