Saturday, September 5, 2026
By Submitted Story on August 17, 2026
When parents and teachers at the Collective Education Foundation (CEF) identified a need to integrate a music program into the classrooms at Wilbur Gardens and Outer Banks Montessori Collective, the two schools that CEF supports, they turned to their community to make that need a reality.
“Music stimulates creativity, inspires cultural awareness, promotes mental health and well-being, and enhances cognitive development,” said CEF Executive Director and owner of Outer Banks Montessori Collective Kim Cowen. “As multitalented as our teachers are, we felt like music was an area of expertise that we were lacking and that our students would benefit from regular music classes taught by a trained and knowledgeable musician.”
Cowen reached out to the music teachers at the local nonprofit Mustang Music Outreach Program to see if they could coordinate weekly music lessons for the upcoming school year, and Mustang Music Outreach Program Assistant Music Director Amanda Williams promptly agreed.
“I considered this a great opportunity to grow as a music instructor,” said Williams. “I have been working in small groups and doing one-on-one lessons for a number of years, but teaching students in a classroom setting would be a learning experience for me.”
The next step was securing the funding to launch the program and hiring Williams as its director. That’s where the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) came in. A grant from an OBCF donor to the CEF made the music program possible.
“I was moved to support this initiative because I am a big believer in the Montessori model,” said donor Nancy Opalack. “I love the fact that it’s a community-based school where everyone is involved, and they are teaching children the importance of being global stewards…I am thrilled to help support these children getting music lessons.”
With the financial support from Opalack’s gift, students at Outer Banks Montessori Collective and Wilbur Gardens were able to experience music classes taught by Williams every Thursday for the 25/26 school year.
During these music enrichment classes, students from three different classrooms learned to read sheet music, identify rhythms, studied classical music history, and they received vocal and instrument lessons.
“I love music class with Ms. Amanda,” said Wilbur Gardens student Wylie Grieve. “My favorite thing was playing the drums. I also liked singing for groups of people at events because it makes my heart feel happy.”
In addition to providing a fun, engaging, and educational opportunity for the 45+ students who attend these small schools, the music program has helped with focus, coordination, phonemic awareness, and communication skills too.
Williams led the students in two public music performances—one at the Community Foundation’s Legacy Luncheon at Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe last December and another at the CEF’s Family FUNdraiser at the Outer Banks Brewing Station in March.
“It has been an incredible privilege to introduce the music program into our curriculum,” said Wilbur Gardens founder and teacher Mary Claire Joyner. “Watching our students grow as a result of this new program has been inspiring. They’ve learned not only how to find rhythm and read music, but also how to write their own songs and express themselves creatively.”
After a successful first year of music lessons, the plan is for Williams to continue teaching music at Outer Banks Montessori Collective and Wilbur Gardens for the 26/27 school year.
CEF Committee Chair Bailey Frumen notes that this special music program would not be possible without support from the Community Foundation and the Mustang Music Outreach Program
“At each turn, we’ve felt encouraged by the leadership at the Community Foundation to continue to rise and collectively support education and enrichment opportunities for our students,” said Frumen.”
To learn more or to support future grants, visit OBCF.org or call 252 423 3003.
