Widespread Panic's Tunes For Tots, a charitable organization founded by one of Athens' own rock bands, Widespread Panic, has awarded the Clarke County School District's Elementary Music program $25,000 to further music education for students. Widespread Panic's Tunes for Tots began in 2005, and to date, has raised over $2,000,000. Hear the band tell the tale of Tunes for Tots.

The donation will be divided among all CCSD elementary music programs. "This gracious gift will allow our elementary music programs to update equipment and instrument inventories," said Dan Smith, Fine Arts, Health, and PE Curriculum Coordinator. "Music is an important component of educating students, inspiring and igniting creativity inside and outside the classroom."

The district has a strong commitment to music programs for all students and honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. CCSD has received this national recognition for eight consecutive years.

"We know elementary school music is the basis for student success both musically and academically. But most importantly, music creates smiles, and thus the perfect motivation to continue our work," states Dr. William Fry, consultant for Widespread Panic's Tunes for Tots.