Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryAppalachian Symphony



Appalachian Symphony

Author: Kristy Porter

Planning Unit: Pike County CES

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

Plan of Work: Pike County Arts Advancement

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Appalachian Symphony, in its seventh year, is a musical collective providing free music lessons and performance opportunities to people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. The program is completely free and increases music education access for people living in low-income conditions as well as providing an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes individuals who otherwise feel as though they do not "belong" in traditional music lesson settings. This includes, but is not limited to, people surviving addiction, trans and nonbinary individuals, and people of different ages and economic backgrounds.

One participant, a woman in her 40s who has struggled with drug addiction for much of her adult life, has said Appalachian Symphony gave her an open welcome that she has not experienced from other musical collectives in the past, where she felt judged for her clothing, the way she spoke, and her personal history. Another participant, a very musically talented trans youth, has spoken about how she has struggled to feel accepted in community circles outside of her group of friends at school but immediately felt included and respected within Appalachian Symphony.

In the local Pike County area, music lessons can be accessed through private instructors at a fee many cannot afford. Not only does Appalachian Symphony provide completely free music lessons, but the organization also provides instruments students can take home to practice with at no cost.

The collective also provides many opportunities for public performance, having provided free musical appearances for Pike County Farmers Market, Pikeville Pride LGBTQ+ events, East KY Indian Culture Association, Progress Pike Unity Celebration, All-District Honor Choir, Pikeville Women's March, and community events.






Stories by Kristy Porter


Myers Towers Art Classes

about 19 days ago by Kristy Porter

Describe the Issue or Situation.Myers Towers is a 200 unit, 11 story high-rise subsidized housing co... Read More


Brush 'n Brunch Program

about 3 months ago by Kristy Porter

Describe the Issue or Situation.The Pike County community needs assessment identified the need for m... Read More


Stories by Pike County CES


Teen Issues Conference

about 19 days ago by Emily Chaney

On the state level, it was seen that public libraries and extension offices were often targeting the... Read More


Myers Towers Art Classes

about 19 days ago by Kristy Porter

Describe the Issue or Situation.Myers Towers is a 200 unit, 11 story high-rise subsidized housing co... Read More