David Pickler, President of Collierville-based Pickler Companies and lifelong public education advocate, has partnered with Collierville High School to create a ground-breaking auditorium for students, faculty, and the community. A dedication concert, featuring acclaimed pianist Bruce Levingston, has been set for November 26th as the official opening ceremony for Pickler Auditorium.
Pickler Auditorium is a state-of-the-art, 1,000-seat facility which will be home to performances, plays, and community gatherings for years to come. Also, in a recent collaboration with Amro Music, Pickler Companies purchased and delivered a Steinway & Sons Model-D Concert Grand Piano to the high school as well as two smaller Boston models. As part of their 10-year naming rights commitment, Pickler Companies gifted these remarkable instruments as a means to echo the school’s promise to deliver excellence and elevate the student experience.
“I have been a lifelong advocate for children and I strongly believe that public education is a covenant with our future,” said Pickler. “The Arts are just as important in a child's development as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Arts allow students to express their creativity, develop confidence, and even enhance their academic performance. Our country's well-being is dependent on our ability to prepare our children for learning, for leadership, and for life.”
This private concert will feature acclaimed pianist Bruce Levingston, one of the country's leading figures in classical music. He regularly appears in the world’s most prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Royal Opera House of London. The New York Times praised his "mastery of color and nuance" and The New Yorker called him “a force for new music.”
The Collierville High School choir will also perform two works on the evening’s program showcasing the school’s premiere music program.
“In almost 40 years in the educational field, I have never seen any individual as committed to public education as David Pickler,” said John Aitken, Superintendent of Collierville Schools. “On a personal and work level, David and his company have invested time, resources, and advocacy efforts to assist schools and districts at the local, state, and national levels. His personal involvement and commitment to Collierville High School and Collierville Schools have not only allowed us to open a beautiful new facility, but his resources have enabled us to provide amenities and programs that truly enhance our programs. He is a true champion for our schools!”
Collierville High School, which opened its doors on August 13th for the 2018-2019 school year, is home to more than 2,750 students and has capacity for over 3,000. Ground broke on the 158-acre property in May of 2016. The high school is an impressive 450,000 square-foot facility which boasts 107 classrooms, 18 career classrooms focused on Workforce Development, a commercial kitchen classroom, a 3,000-seat varsity gym, and a 5,000-seat football stadium. It is currently the largest high school in the state of Tennessee.
“Collierville High School is so fortunate to have the support of Pickler Companies because they understand that great schools are a reflection of community priorities,” said Kanette Keough-Rodgers, President & CEO of Collierville Chamber of Commerce. “By helping provide our students with a state-of-the-art theatre and the finest piano instrument available in the world, Pickler Companies has demonstrated the business community's commitment to excellence and to providing an unparalleled education experience for the students of Collierville.”
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About Pickler Companies: Pickler Companies is suite of professional firms located in Collierville, Tenn. Comprised of Pickler Wealth Advisors, The Pickler Law Firm, and Pickler Accounting Advisors, Pickler Companies has been providing individuals and organizations with financial guidance, legal services and tax planning since 2005. The staff of Pickler Companies pride themselves on helping people achieve their goals and objectives through client service excellence. For more information, please visit www.picklercompanies.com.
Bruce Levingston, the pianist for the concert, is being sponsored by Amro Music.