Newark, MD, Oct. 14, 2024 – Worcester County Public Schools is thrilled to announce a generous donation of musical instruments from the Baltimore Marching Ravens, the official marching band of the Baltimore Ravens football team. This incredible gift will provide several students across the district with an opportunity to play an instrument which has been played for decades at NFL home games. The instruments received a full overhaul and were refurbished each year, at the end of each season, keeping them in excellent working condition.
The donation, which includes 2 baritones, 4 mellophones and a sousaphone are valued at approximately $10,000.00. The instruments will be distributed to the band programs Snow Hill Middle School, Pocomoke Middle School, and Pocomoke High School.
Baltimore’s Marching Ravens is an organization committed to bringing quality musical entertainment and a “traditional football atmosphere” to all Ravens home games. Comprised of more than 150 musicians and equipment crew, they are the largest musical organization associated with the National Football League (NFL). The Baltimore Marching Ravens, known for their dedication to music and community outreach, share the school system’s belief in the power of the arts. This collaboration reflects their ongoing mission to inspire the next generation of musicians and performers.
This summer, the Marching Ravens announced that they would be retiring their instruments, to have them replaced with a new fleet of instruments. Applications were open to Maryland schools only. The organization received hundreds of inquiries, over 50 applications and granted instruments to only 33 schools across the state. Due to the generosity of Baltimore Raven’s owner Steven Bisciotti, the Marching Ravens have also received new marching uniforms, allowing them to march in style this season.
According to Marching Ravens’ Band President, Mr. John Ziemann, this kind of donation is important because “not every child is an athlete. So many of our youth find their passion and love through music and giving instruments to students in Maryland schools is a way for our organization to support our youth. This allows us to give back and foster the love of music in the next generation. The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most charitable organizations I have ever worked for.”
"We are incredibly grateful to Baltimore’s Marching Ravens for their support of our students and music programs," said Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor. "The gift is about more than just instruments. It’s about opening doors to new possibilities for our students. Music education fosters creativity, teamwork and discipline."
Pictured Above: WCPS Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts meetings with the Baltimore Marching Ravens to receive the generous donation of musical instruments.
Pictured Above: Snow Hill Middle School’s Principal, Dr. Matt Record (left) and SHMS Band Director, Mr. Rodney Lee (right), give students Jackson H. and Jackson V. their new marching baritone and mellophone.