"We are

pleased to support this phenomenal opportunity for Rising Starr Middle

School Symphonic Band, and are committed to helping make their dream of

performing in Chicago a reality," said Robert Mucklow, owner of Mucklowís

Fine Jewelry. "The reason Mucklow's exists is to support fine arts

in our community. In light of current budget cuts to the arts and education,

we believe itís imperative for our community to support young people.

Our goal is to help encourage and sustain a lifelong appreciation and

interest in the fine arts."

Tyndall credits

his more than 80 Symphonic Band students for their talent and dedication.

"Our students

are working incredibly hard as they gear up to give the performance of

a lifetime," said Tyndall. "Their extraordinary commitment to

performing at the highest level is the reason we were invited to perform

in Chicago. It is an honor for our school and our community to attend

the Midwest Clinic, and we are extremely grateful to Mucklowís

for their generous support of our efforts."

Costs associated

with the trip are estimated at $65,000, including airfare, hotel accommodations

and charter buses for all band members and accompanying teachers and chaperones,

as well as travel costs for professional musicians who will perform with

students. Instruments must be repaired and refurbished in advance of the

trip, music instructors are being hired to help prepare students, and

a program must be printed to accompany the Chicago performance.

"We encourage

other individuals and businesses in our community to get involved and

support the Rising Starr Middle School Symphonic Band," said Mucklow.

"This is a great chance for all of us to come together to help fulfill

a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for youth, education, the arts, and Fayette

County."

More information

about the Rising Starr Band program is available online www.rsmsband.com.

Tax-deductible contributions, payable to RSMS Band Boosters, can be sent

to Rising Starr Middle School, 183 Panther Path, Fayetteville, Ga., 30215,

attn: Steve Tyndall. Donations will also be accepted at Mucklow's Fine

Jewelry during its grand opening, at 552 Crosstown Road, 770.486.3400.

For more information, or to make a donation, contact Lisa Splitlog, RSMS

Symphonic Band fundraising co-chair, at 770.631.1838.

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