Fifth grader Emily Ford is a little kid with a big heart. As she was getting ready for her 10th birthday in November, she decided to do something different from the usual celebration. “I thought, ‘I don’t really need any more presents,’ ” Emily says. She encouraged her friends to make donations to the Joy of Music School rather than bring gifts to her party.

This wasn’t the first time Emily has been helpful to the School. She pitched in at our last two spring cleaning days along with her mother, Rachel Ford, Executive Director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and JoMS board member. Emily, who plays the piano and violin, liked what she saw that day. “I thought it was cool that the School had free lessons for kids that might not have the opportunity,” she says.

Well, we think it’s extra cool that she would introduce her friends and their families to our School—and encourage them to donate. Thanks Emily!