MSU concert benefits Backpack Meals charity for local students

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s Department of Music not only brings the joy of music to the community, but it also extends a helping hand to those in need.

MSU percussion faculty members and students recently gave a marimba concert to raise money for the Backpack Meals charity, which provides food to local public school students in need of meals on the weekends. The concert raised $739, enough to purchase 147 meal kits that each provide a weekend’s worth of food for one student.

Jason Baker, professor and percussion area coordinator, led the concert and expressed the importance of using your gifts to help others.

“I think music can serve as a point of gathering that brings people together from different parts of our community,” Baker said. “It is also important to model this for our students and demonstrate how their skills can support others.”

Baker was joined by fellow percussion faculty members Benjamin Neal and Mandy Quinn as well as students Dylan Hall and Harley Gipson. Susan Tomlinson, director of Backpack Meals, spoke to the audience before the concert, which was held in the Music Building Recital Hall.

“Our faculty and students not only share their artistry on stage but also model how musicians can serve their communities in meaningful ways,” said Daniel Stevens, department head. “Supporting Backpack Meals ensures that our music reaches beyond the concert hall to meet real needs in the lives of local children.”

MSU’s College of Education, home of the Department of Music, also includes four additional academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at https://www.educ.msstate.edu/.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.