09/02/2026
Covenant has recently donated musical instruments no longer in use to JJ Daniels Middle School for children in need. See the official press release below:
“Bringing Back the Music:
Some talented young musicians will be introduced to more than one dozen band
instruments that haven’t been played in a while. After getting some tender loving care,
the wind instruments were gifted to music students at JJ Daniell Middle School by the
congregation at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
According to Dr. Don Esa, Pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church, “Covenant's
parishioners appreciate the dedicated work of the staff and teachers at JJ Daniell and
the impact they have had on students’ lives. It's a blessing to our community.”
As next-door neighbors in Marietta, Georgia, the school and church communities have enjoyed a long partnership in serving youth and their families. When 17 instruments were given to the church, they were destined to land in the hands of Daniell’s Performing Arts students.
Covenant’s Music Director Joyce Ketchie Carr knew just who to ask to manage the
donation. Linda Streeter, choir member and flautist, is a retired school band director
herself. It was her vision to see music students joyfully playing the beautifully-restored wind instruments. She made arrangements for their refurbishment and donation to the school.
At a ceremony to receive the instruments, Principal Amy Stump and Assistant Principals Dr. Angela Moss and Cole Ross thanked church members for the donation and Jim Schmelzer, owner of Big Note Music, for providing the repairs at no cost.
Schmelzer said he was delighted that the apprentices at Southeast Music Institute in Cartersville, Georgia, were instrumental in bringing back the music. He explained that
Southeast Music Institute, a state-certified trade school that teaches musical instrument repair, “is the only one of its kind east of the Mississippi and in the South.” Students there learn and practice skills in the classroom and in an apprenticeship program.
Daniell Band Directors Kevin Boyle and Susan Brough expressed their eagerness to see their students with instruments in hand.”
