AXS TV and Madison Communications Company announced that the Staunton Community School District in Staunton, IL has been selected to receive a $1,000 grant as part of “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education”—an initiative connecting AXS TV with affiliates, local communities, and schools in support of vital music education programs and the benefits they provide students. The award was presented by Madison Communications to the Staunton Community School’s Band and Choir Program on December 20, 2024.

Public school music programs often experience a severe lack of funding and are the first casualties when budget cuts are made—a problem that has only increased in recent years. “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” initiative seeks to rectify this, awarding grants to school-age music education programs across the country. These recipients are established programs that exemplify top leadership, instruction, and participation, yet also demonstrate a strong need for further funding and support. Selected teachers can then use the grant to purchase music, fix instruments or buy new ones, repair or replace performance equipment and uniforms, and address any other needs that the music program may have.

Under band director Charles Prager, the Staunton Community School’s Music Department will use their grant to purchase new music and replacement drum heads, and repair instruments; while the choir, led by Laura Hollingsworth, will purchase additional handheld wired microphones and microphone cords, as well as music, choir robes, and soles.

“Music education is a powerful tool for childhood development, fostering creativity, nurturing discipline, teamwork, and self-expression—laying the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth,” said Greg Drebin, Head of Content and Marketing for AXS TV. “AXS TV is dedicated to celebrating the power of music and is proud to partner with Staunton Community Schools, as we present them with this grant to benefit these talented young musicians for many years to come.”

About AXS TV
AXS TV is a leading television, streaming, digital, and social music and entertainment brand owned and operated by Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.  AXS TV’s programming celebrates music’s rich history and keeps its audience current on what’s happening in music today with non-fiction docs, live concerts, music news and information, reality shows, and well-known programs including The Big Interview with Dan Rather and The Top Ten Revealed.  AXS TV is also home to TNA Wrestling, one of the world’s top wrestling brands.  Multi-platform AXS TV is available on television in all 50 states and across Canada, parts of the Caribbean, and streaming through its FAST (free-ad-supported-streaming television) channel. AXS TV has a vast reach on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. For a full list of providers and territories, please visit axs.tv/subscribe.

About Madison Communications
Madison Communications is a fully integrated service provider of high-speed Internet access, digital phone, HD entertainment programing, and other IP solutions to residential and business customers in Southwestern Illinois.  For questions regarding this pledge, or Madison’s services, please dial 1-800-422-4848 Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit gomadison.com.