Making the Community Better through Education
As an accomplished musician, Josh Murrell, Medworks Corporate Trainer, shares his gifts with high school students.
"For the last few years, I have been involved with my high school alma mater’s music and arts department which has had a long tradition in music performance. It was the first school in Virginia to start a traveling performance choir and is one of the longest running programs of its kind in the country. When the pandemic struck in 2020 many programs were put on hold and the organizations struggled to keep students engaged in an activity that could not function behind a computer screen. Fortunately, this year the program has seen one of the largest groups of students in its history.
As the band director I get to lead and teach an all-student accompaniment group that supports three different travel shows with the school. Along with directing the group I help write and produce the shows with two other great educators, both of which are also alumni of the program. The program offers students music and education opportunities that they would not receive in their normal band or orchestra classes, and creates a supportive network of people that is welcoming to all".
"In the previous years, our groups have performed at Carnegie Hall in NYC, America Gardens Theater in Epcot Disney World, and last year at the Grand Ol Opry in Nashville. While performing these shows they have access to clinics and lessons with some of the best musicians and entertainers in the country.
This year in March ’25, the school hosted our 45th invitational, The Koste Classic, the largest event of its kind in the state, with over 50 groups attending that weekend. Featured guest clinicians included local collegiate educators, an acclaimed Broadway actress, a nationally recognized choreographer and the Director of Entertainment for Six Flags America.
This program and the community that supports it was vitally important to me when I was young, and it continues to be a positive impact on the current generation. It is very rewarding to see the students develop their skills and confidence as they go through the program and I am so glad that I get to be a part of such an impactful organization in my community".
