[Durham, NC, December 8] On Monday, December 8, 2021, American Idol winner Laine Hardy, in partnership with LittleKids Rock and Wild Wing Cafe, performed a special concert for 50 middle school aged aspiring musicians at Reaching All Minds Academy in East Durham.
During his Reaching All Minds Academy(RAMA) concert, Hardy played 4 songs in an intimate, coffeehouse style set. Students surrounded the singer/songwriter as he played, creating an opportunity for the young musicians to experience live, professional music in their own class space.
Following the concert, Hardy answered student questions about his journey to country music, his passion for his craft, and how he built his confidence to share his talents with the world. Hardy and the Little Kids Rock and Wild Wing Cafe teams ended the event with a surprise donation of new student band instruments and equipment.
Reaching All Minds Academy was selected for this opportunity through its ongoing relationship with Little Kids Rock. Little Kids Rock works directly with music teachers nationwide to bring innovative and inclusive music education programs to students. Reaching All Minds Academy‘s music teacher, Altrovise Terry, is one of these teachers. "Working with Little Kids Rock has been amazing," Terry says. "Their work aligns so well with the goals we have for RAMA’s music program, and has allowed the students to grow, even in a small time working together."
"We are so grateful to Mr. Hardy, Little Kids Rock, and Wild Wing Cafe for this concert and donation," says Thomas McKoy, RAMA School Leader."In the classroom, we strive to show students how to turn their passions into careers. Mr. Hardy’s time with us made these lessons come to life for our students. Now, with the instruments we’ve received, maybe a RAMA alum will be an American Idol a few years."
Reaching All Minds Academy is a K-8 STEM public charter school that provides tuition-free education to all North Carolina students. Its mission is to prepare students to become productive citizens with the skills needed to solve complex problems, think critically, exhibit positive social competencies, and to function in a highly technological and global society. Its vision is, by engaging in project based learning, students will be prepared to pursue STEM related careers and become lifelong learners.
