The Hope Church in Orlando recently hosted the Hope Sacred Jazz Series featuring Grammy Award Winning Saxophonist Kirk Whalum and the new band Director of Jones High School, ‘Naomi Joy’ Nelson, to benefit the Jones High School band program.
The show was hosted by Archbishop Allen Wiggins, who pledged to ensure a minimum donation of $10,000 from the net proceeds of the event for his high school alma mater, where some students cannot afford to rent instruments and others are homeless.
‘Naomi Joy’ Nelson, the inspiring, new Band Director of Jones High School, also graced the stage with her saxophone, adding vibrant and creative energy to this unforgettable night. Archbishop Wiggins and The Hope Church pledged to donate all net proceeds to the Jones High School band program to assist in purchasing new instruments for the students.
“Several Jones High School students who have a love and passion for music can’t afford to rent an instrument, let alone own one,” said Naomi Joy Nelson, Band Director at Jones High School. “They will be incredibly excited when we’re able to present them with a new clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet or their instrument of choice.”
“If we want to change our future, we must invest in the youth—be it in the arts, technology, education, or ministry,” said Archbishop Wiggins.
The concert ended up assisting The Hope Church in satisfying its pledge to Jones High School Band and is still hopeful for additional funds to allow for a donation beyond its pledge.
Bishop Wiggins believes that changing the future starts with investing in the youth, whether in technology, education, arts or ministry – all of which he does through The Hope Church and Frontline Innovation Studios.
Here are a few photos from the Hope Church concert event:
