The supplemental music instruction is offered by the Southern Highland Music Foundation, a 501 C3 non-profit organization based in Clayton, Georgia and directed by its CEO, Tom Nixon.

“High Performance ’24” is a successful combination of traditional music teaching methods augmented by Peer-to-Peer student interaction where sharing knowledge with others and peer encouragement are emphasized much like the successful Foxfire program that was initiated here in Rabun County more than 50 years ago.”

Nixon, an alumnus of the Foxfire program, has been teaching music for more than two decades in his role as director of the Blue Ridge Music Academy in Clayton.

He said, “It’s very rare to have a music performance instruction program offered in the public schools. Back in 2019 our SHMF Board of Directors voted to initiate this Peer-to-Peer program to help students explore their interests in a wide variety of music styles and genres while learning the basics of music theory and instrument techniques. In addition to learning more about the music they love, they also learn the basics of working in a professional music studio and how to organize music concerts and performances including stage setup, sound systems and lighting.”

“High Performance ’24” will culminate at the end of the school year with production of a CD recorded at Blue Ridge Music’s professional recording studios. The CD will be comprised of Rabun County student arrangements and performances.

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The grant will be used to provide in-class supplemental music instruction at the Rabun County (GA) High School and Middle School.

Included in the program will be hands-on training on string and keyboard instruments, vocal instruction, music theory, harmony and performance techniques.

Tom Nixon, CEO of Southern Highland Music Foundation, said, “This is the third grant we have received from the Georgia Council of the Arts in the past five years. Thanks to GCA we have initiated a very successful peer-to-peer learning program for Middle School and High School students that supplements the school’s basic music education program. A unique feature of our support is the opportunity for students to create, record and produce their own collaborative CD at the end of the year that features their own vocal and instrumental performances.”