Thanks to the efforts of South Jackson Performing Arts Center (SJPAC), led by Greg Gressel, members of the East Middle School choir now have new choir uniforms. 71 sets of uniforms were purchased.

A grant from the Lillian Ashley Fund through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee also provided monies to purchase the choir uniforms.

Prior to receiving the uniforms, students wore for choir performances…

“This investment refl ects SJPAC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening arts education and ensuring students have the resources they need to perform with pride and professionalism,” said Greg Gressel, Executive Director of SJPAC.

According to Gressel, the purchase of the uniforms was inspired by a meaningful but simple goal: to ensure that every student has a level playing field when stepping onto the stage to perform, regardless of background or circumstance.

“Talent is equally distributed, but the means to use that talent is not. By purchasing new choir uniforms, SJPAC removed a barrier that could separate students by circumstance rather than ability. Now every child can walk onto the stage with the same sense of pride, unity and opportunity to be seen and heard,” said Gressel.

Uniforms for the boys included shirts, pants, vest and ties. Girls received long dresses. A team of seamstresses including Coleen Saunders, Twana Brock, Evelyn Champion, Anne Wonder, Sherry Grissom, DJ DeMell, Dianne Depper, Julie Hice and Allie Hice made sure each uniform was altered correctly.

Westside Church of the Nazarene, through their food and support pantry, acquired a large shipment of multiple sized garment bags. The church contacted SJPAC and offered the garment bags saving the Center monies they would have had to invest to purchase the bags.

“When students look good, they feel confident in what they are doing. Instead of focusing on what they are wearing, students can focus on their voices, their teamwork and their pride in performing.”

“Arts education is essential to the future of the arts, and middle school years are some of the most formative for young performers. These are the years when students discover their voices, build confidence, and decide whether they see themselves as artists. By providing new choir uniforms, SJPAC created a level playing field and reinforced the idea that what matters most is talent, teamwork and dedication. This investment supports not only today’s choir students, but the future of arts in Tullahoma,” said Gressel.