Gibson Gives: Plays It Forward Bringing the Power of Music to Gallatin High School Students in Bozeman, Montana

Gallatin High School in Bozeman, MT music education students

Gibson Gives–the charitable arm of Gibson the iconic American instrument brand–has partnered with Gallatin High School in Bozeman, Montana to bring the power of music to returning students this fall. Gibson representatives and country music artist Stephanie Quayle presented the young guitar players with a donation of 24 hand-crafted, high-quality, acoustic guitars from Gibson’s famed Bozeman facility to Gallatin High School’s music department and pledged their continued support to the students.

“Music is such a powerful influence in all of our lives and learning music has such great benefits to brain development,” says Erica Schnee, Principal, Gallatin High School in Bozeman, MT. “We are so appreciative of Gibson’s generous donations, which allows us to offer guitar classes to students at both high schools and provides them with a creative outlet within their academic schedule.”

Erica Schnee (Principal, Gallatin High School in Bozeman), Jackie O’Reilly (Controller, Gibson), Don Ruffatto (Product Development Manager, Gibson), Josh Taborski (General Manager, Gibson), Stephanie Quayle (musician), Steve Merriman (Guitar Teacher, Gallatin High School).

“Amidst such unprecedented times, one thing I am sure of is the healing power of music,” adds Gibson artist and Bozeman native, Stephanie Quayle. “I am so honored to represent Gibson guitars and Gibson Gives in the donation of 24 acoustic guitars to Gallatin High School, and to be a part of this extraordinary investment in the music education of these kids. When I think of my Gibson, it’s more than a guitar-it’s my best friend, my confidant and vessel to share the greatest language we all speak-the language of music.”

“For the past 125 years Gibson has been synonymous with creating, supporting, and inspiring sound for all generations and genres of music with our guitars,” says James ‘JC’ Curleigh, President andCEO of Gibson. “We are proud of our latest partnership in music education between Gibson Gives and Gallatin High School, and we look forward to supporting the next generation of musicians and songwriters in Bozeman!”

Gibson’s famed acoustic facility in Bozeman, Montana creates the brand’s legendary acoustic guitars. Hand-crafted with time-tested build techniques from Gibson acoustic’s highly skilled artisans, each Gibson acoustic guitar is full of expression, character, exceptional quality, tone, and exquisite beauty.
Gibson Gives believes in the power of music, supporting music education and that getting instruments into the hands of those with a desire to make music is a truly life-changing event. Founded in 2002, Gibson Gives | Gibson Foundation is committed to making the world a better place through music by creating, developing, and supporting programs, and working with other non-profit organizations, in their efforts to advance youth-focused and healing music initiatives.