CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History (WVDACH) has partnered with the Wing 2 Wing Foundation and the Save The Music Foundation.
The Wing 2 Wing Foundation has generously donated $280,000.00 to the WVDACH to support the ongoing instrument rebuild project in middle schools across West Virginia in collaboration with the Save The Music Foundation.
Thanks to this donation, an additional fourteen middle schools in 10 counties will benefit over the next three years, reaching students across all 55 counties in the state. This contribution aims to ensure that students have the resources they need to showcase their creativity and artistic talents through music.
Governor Justice expressed his satisfaction with the Wing 2 Wing Foundation’s commitment to providing essential resources for the success of students across West Virginia. He emphasized the importance of enabling students to express themselves through music and praised the foundation’s dedication to supporting this cause.
Chiho Feindler, Chief Program Officer for Save The Music, highlighted that the partnership with the Wing 2 Wing Foundation will help achieve their goal of providing accessible music education in every eligible middle school throughout West Virginia. This initiative will ensure that all children have the opportunity to engage in music education and have access to quality instruments.
The Wing 2 Wing Foundation, founded by Brad D. and Alys Smith, aims to promote human dignity and unleash human potential in West Virginia.
By focusing on education, entrepreneurship, and the environment, the foundation seeks to level the playing field of opportunity throughout Appalachia and serve as a model for similar regions and communities worldwide.
Brad D. Smith, President of Marshall University and Co-Founder of The Wing 2 Wing Foundation, emphasized the importance of providing equal access to education to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel.
The foundation’s commitment to expanding access to musical instruments throughout all 55 counties in West Virginia reflects their belief in the transformative power of music education.
Save The Music and Wing 2 Wing Foundation Schools:
2025
Glenwood School – Mercer County
Harts PK8 – Lincoln County
Road Branch School – Wyoming County
South Charleston Middle School – Kanawha County
Spencer Middle School – Roane County
Valley Pk-8 School – Fayetteville County
Walton Middle School – Roane County
2026
Burch PK-8 School – Mingo County
East Fairmont Middle School – Marion County
Green Bank PK8 – Pocahontas County
Southside PK-8 – McDowell County
West Fairmont – Marion County
2027
Wing2Wing Foundation (2 Schools)
East Bank Middle School – Kanawha County
John Adams Middle School – Kanawha County