On Tuesday, Sept. 2, Clay County High School students gathered in the gymnasium for a special announcement. Chad Smith, drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and his family have started a music foundation, The Chad Smith Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to bridge the gap in music access and opportunity.
“Music changed my life, and at the Chad Smith Foundation, we are making sure we are changing other people’s lives too,” said Chad Smith in a video describing the new foundation. “My path to becoming a drummer started with these things, early exposure to music, a solid music program, and, luckily, a family that supported my dreams. But not everyone gets those three chances. We’re going to change that. Our foundation has one mission: to make sure the next generation of musicians has the support they need to pursue their dreams.” He explained that the Foundation will have college scholarships for aspiring musicians and music educators, and want to put “instruments in the hands of kids who otherwise wouldn’t have access to them.”
At the assembly last week, students were shown a video that Chad made for them to explain what his Foundation plans to do in Clay County. “I’m excited to announce that the Chad Smith Foundation will be supporting Clay County High School music program, this year and beyond.” He added, “This is a very special place in my heart, your school, because my dad, Curtis Madison Smith, is an alumni. He graduated in 1948 from your school.” He said he wouldn’t be in music today if it wasn’t for his dad’s support. “It makes me so happy and honored to support one of the places that was one of his biggest influences.”
He said that the Foundation has already donated “lots of cool marching band stuff” with plans for “doing a lot more stuff in the future.”
He signed off in saying “have fun, make some noise, and go Panthers!”
The Clay County High School Band will be performing songs by the Red Hot Chili Peppers throughout the year. Clay County Schools, Clay County High School, and the CCHS Band would like to thank Chad Smith, his family, and the Chad Smith Foundation for their generous support!
