Lee University receives Arts Education – Community Learning grant from Tennessee Arts Commission

Lee University has received an Arts Education – Community Learning grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission to help fund the Lake Forest Middle School Strings Program, a joint project between Lee University, the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation, and Lake Forest Middle School. The after school program will offer instruction on stringed instruments throughout the semester for 6th through 8th grade students, who will then put on free performances at the semesters’ end for the community.

According to an article on Lee University's website, Dr. Joanna Pepple, who is an assistant professor of musicology at the university and is leading the project, was quoted as saying of the program’s benefits, “The Lake Forest Middle School Strings Program is a valuable asset to our community. It is the first program in Bradley County that allows public school students to learn string instruments in middle school. I first started violin in a public school program as a sixth grader, and I am so grateful for that opportunity that provided the spark and foundation for my future musical studies. This program provides a meaningful way for Lee School of Music students and faculty to invest in our community, impacting and developing young Bradley County musicians, and perhaps influencing their future studies in music.”

The project is a joint effort between Lee University, the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation, and Lake Forest Middle School. A pilot of the program was successfully run in the Spring 2025 semester, which relied on funds from Lee University and Lake Forest Middle School. The Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation helped the middle school purchase instruments, including two violins, two violas, four cellos, and one bass,to ensure that students of all income levels could participate. Lee University has music students volunteer within the program, and the program takes place at Lake Forest Middle School.

The funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission will pay for Dr. Pepple’s time, travel and communication, as well as the purchase of items that will be needed for the instruments, including strings, rosin, fingerboard tapes, shoulder rests, and endpin holders.

The program will begin with a beginner orchestra, and as students improve, an intermediate orchestra will be formed and added as the program expands.

For more information about Lee University, visit the school’s website.