Jets, Patriot bands and MCS music receive $140K from Sen. Butler
MADISON – Sen. Tom Butler may be retiring as state senator, but his recent contribution has perpetuated a long-lasting effect on bands and other music programs in Madison City Schools.
Butler presented a check for $140,000 to the school district to benefit music programs. He stipulated that $40,000 will be divided equally between the marching bands at Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools. The remaining $100,000 is intended for use as needed by the district’s music programs.
MCS Superintendent Eric Terrell and MCS Chief Financial Officer Laverne Williams accepted the check from Butler.
“We used the donation to purchase two piccolos, one oboe and an assortment of percussion mallets,” James Clemens Band Director Keith Anderson said. “The piccolos and oboe will help us outfit our three concert bands with quality instruments, and the mallets were much needed replacements and additions to our inventory.” Butler’s donation established a record for James Clemens Band. “This is the largest one-time donation the JCHS Band has received,” Anderson said. “The band program is incredibly grateful to Sen. Butler for his generous donation to the program and our students.”
When presenting the check, Butler mentioned that he played trombone in the Butler High School Band and has always had an appreciation for music education and its benefits to students.
“Band was structured and required a student to pay a lot of attention. You had to watch your part (in sheet music),” Butler said. “Music in general is a brain stimulator. A music program like band is something that you enjoy.”
Butler fondly remembers band camp although the summer heat was always oppressive. “I learned a lot on hot, summer mornings for marching practice to learn the routines for drills in each week’s halftime shows. I made a lot of friends in band,” he said.
To access the funds for MCS music, Butler looked to “TVA money, which is money that TVA gives to local government bodies in lieu of paying taxes. When you get an offset (money that TVA would normally pay), cities, counties and the legislature will benefit.”
“It has been a real plum for TVA to give back (these funds) to local governments. It has been a blessing for local government — in lieu of tax money,” Butler said.
He chose to designate his donation for music because “I’ve always had an infinity for band — practicing in summertime, learning marching routines, playing new music and even classical music,” Butler said.
“What would a football game be like without a band? Band contributes a lot. I understand the hardships that parents have for buying instruments and paying for trips,” Butler said. “Band members deserve recognition for all of their work for football games, concerts and exposure to all kinds of music.”
