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UA+Ed Foundation Grant in Action: Hastings Spring Orchestra Concert with Brad Phillips
- Upper Arlington Education Foundation
- May 8
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22
May 8, 2025 | Hastings Middle School
The Hastings Middle School Orchestra took center stage on May 8, 2025, for a Spring Concert unlike any other—one that struck a powerful chord with students, families, and the community alike. The 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Orchestras performed a dynamic program featuring not only their own musical growth, but a remarkable collaboration with world-renowned multi-instrumentalist and educator Brad Phillips.
Thanks to a grant funded by the Joanie Dugger, Educator of the Year Award Fund and support from the Upper Arlington Orchestra Parents Association, this unforgettable musical experience came to life under the leadership of orchestra director Jordan King, the 2024–2025 Upper Arlington Schools’ District Teacher of the Year.
The Story Behind the Grant
“I’ve been working closely with Brad Phillips, a faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Music and a nationally touring artist,” said King. “From the beginning, our goal was to create something that would be truly impactful for our students—not just another concert, but a chance to learn from and perform with a professional at the top of his craft.”
Brad Phillips visited Hastings in April to lead clinics with each orchestra, diving deep into alternative string techniques and fiddle styles. He returned in May for the final performance, where he joined students on stage alongside a local backup band featuring guitar and drum set musicians. Together, they created a fresh and engaging musical experience that blended classical training with groove-based, improvisational styles.
The Lasting Impressions
For King, the impact went far beyond musical technique.“This experience opened students' eyes to new genres and new ways of thinking about music. It challenged them to stretch creatively, to collaborate in real-time, and to find their voice as musicians,” he said. “It touches so many areas of what it means to be an engaged learner—critical thinking, communication, creativity, resilience. These are skills they’ll carry far beyond the concert stage.”
Students had the rare opportunity to not only witness but also participate in a high-level performance environment, pushing their musical boundaries and building confidence by playing alongside a seasoned professional.
This collaboration is a powerful example of how grant funding can bring transformative opportunities into the classroom. As King noted, “It’s one thing to tell students about musical careers or styles they might not otherwise encounter—but it’s another thing entirely to bring that world into their school, to let them feel it and be part of it.”
Thanks to the generosity of UA+Ed donors and the support of the Upper Arlington orchestra community, Hastings orchestra students experienced music in a way they’ll never forget—and perhaps, in a way that will shape their future.
An Encore Worth Mentioning
Commission of the new piece "Golden Bear Glory," which King’s 8th graders performed as part of the same concert, was secured by colleagues Gretchen Zunic and Chris Lape. This commissioned piece was also funded by an additional UA+Ed grant.
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides access to meaningful opportunities for students that are beyond the budget of the Upper Arlington School District. Established in 1985, UA+Ed is permanently structured to fund programs and projects today and for generations to come. The Upper Arlington Alumni Association is an important part of the foundation and keeps graduates connected, engaged, and motivated to pay it forward.
