2011 Scholar Locher Grove and how his passion for music resulted in one of the longest-running Local Ideas Festivals to date.

To raise awareness about the need for greater funding of elementary music education in his community of Roanoke, VA, Locher and educator Nicole Doherty founded the Noteworthy Music Festival. In its first year, the two-day fundraiser featured performances from local choirs, and jazz, country, classical, and rock and roll ensembles. Thanks to significant community support, the festival raised more than $14,000 its first year and was able to provide sixty instruments for the elementary students of Roanoke City.

“The greatest change will occur after the instruments have been purchased and placed in the hands of the Roanoke City Schools children. There is an excitement by the members of the school system (Superintendent and Fine Arts Director) that shows that this festival has done something towards the improvement and betterment of the Roanoke City Public Schools Music Education System,” shares Locher.

The Noteworthy Music Festival recently held its 7th-year festival and continues to provide support for music funding in Roanoke City. They have raised more than $23,000 to date. See some of the great acts from previous years and learn more about the Noteworthy Music Festival here: https://www.facebook.com/noteworthyfestival/