We are excited to share a progress update on the Pirate MAP (Music Appreciation Program). Thanks to generous community support, this project is well underway.

Pirate MAP received $8,500 in funding from the J.L. Bedsole Foundation and $10,000 from the South Alabama Community Foundation. These funds are being used to expand access to music education and introduce students to the art of music appreciation.

To support elementary students and spark early interest in music, the following items have been purchased:

• 200 plastic recorders, along with carrying bags and music books, to introduce young students to basic music skills

• Musical instruments, including:

  • 2 Elite clarinets

  • 1 alto saxophone

  • 1 baritone saxophone

  • 2 AH open trombones

• 48 new music stands and a storage cart

• Percussion equipment, including a snare drum, drum carrier, Yamaha snare carrier, and a Pearl snare

• 36 new classroom method instruction books

• An electric keyboard and key arranger

Research continues to show that music education helps strengthen students’ math abilities, critical thinking skills, and overall academic performance. These new resources will allow students to explore music in meaningful, hands-on ways.

What’s Next

The Pirate MAP project is anticipated to be completed by mid-Spring. The final phase will include:

• Installation of acoustical tiles

• New chairs

• Refurbishment of the music hall

These improvements will help create a more inviting, comfortable, and acoustically supportive environment—one that fosters creativity and a love of learning through music.

We are grateful for the continued support of our partners and alumni as we work to bring this exciting program to completion.