On April 26, the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and Friends of Ponte Vedra Concert Hall hosted a “Load Out” in celebration of the Concert Hall's upcoming renovation with St. Johns County leadership and government officials in attendance, including St. Johns Board of County Commissioners Chair Sarah Arnold, Vice Chair Roy Alaimo, Commissioner Henry Dean (via video), Commissioner Krista Joseph, Commissioner Christian Whitehurst, County Administrator Joy Andrews, County Clerk of Courts Brandon Patty, and Mayor of the City of St. Augustine Beach as well as Board Chairman of SJC Cultural Events Inc. Dylan Rumrell.
During the “Load Out” the Friends of Ponte Vedra Concert Hall punctuated this special event with the announcement that they are establishing the first-ever music scholarship at the North Florida School of Special Education.
The Friends donated in the amount of $4,000 to the school in honor of Tib Miller, founder of Flying Saucer Presents. Miller was one of North Florida’s most beloved and respected concert promoters and friend to the music industry. Honoring a very special connection to the school, Miller’s son, Gram, has attended the school since age 6, and continues to thrive there today as a 20-year-old, multi-talented drummer and guitarist.
The music scholarship created by the Friends goes to a cause very near and dear to their mission of cultivating and inspiring the arts in the community. Music is often lauded as an incredibly beneficial therapeutic approach to address the social, physical, cognitive and emotional needs of people with intellectual and developmental differences. This donation will help to further the safe haven provided by music classes at the school, promoting the positive expression of feelings, sensory development and release, the benefits of movement, a closer connection with peers and teachers, and the learning of musical instruments.
Jerry Wilson, board president of the Friends of Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, and board member of SJC Cultural Events Inc. stated, “As the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall celebrates our history with an eye toward the new era, we are honored to remember our dear friend, Tib Miller. Tib’s company, Flying Saucer Presents, has been instrumental in putting our Ponte Vedra Concert Hall on the map with top quality talent and authentic performances. Sharing this moment with his daughter, Pepper, makes this even more special. Given the family's long-term relationship this special school is a natural place to support.
On behalf of the Friends of Ponte Vedra Concert Hall board of directors, I am proud that we are able to support the power of live music with this scholarship for students of North Florida School of Special Education.”
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of Ponte Vedra Concert Hall for providing our students with the transformative gift of music,” said Sally Hazelip, head of school, North Florida School of Special Education. “Their gift of our first-ever music scholarship will open doors to new realms of creativity and expression, enriching the lives of our students in ways beyond measure. Thank you for your support in helping us nurture the talents and dreams of our students in memory of NFSSE Parent, Tib Miller.”
Pepper Miller, daughter of Tib Miller and sister of Gram Miller explained, “Tib shared his love for music with my brother Gram, and it has become an integral part of who Gram is. He cherishes his time during music lessons, and it has helped him connect with people and develop into a confident and engaged adult. I hope that music will have the same positive impact with the students who receive this scholarship.”
