WHO WE ARE
INSTRUMENTAL OPPORTUNITY FOUNDATION
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The Instrumental Opportunity Foundation aims to use the power of music education to uplift students to their highest potential and to provide students with the framework for lifetime academic, professional, and personal success.
Instrumental believes that access to music education can unlock a world of opportunities for our youth, regardless of the career path they choose to follow. Music programs teach kids more than just how to play an instrument – they help impart long-term skills that can positively impact their personal lives, academic careers, and professional journeys.
Unfortunately, fine arts are often the first programs to lose funding in our public schools. We want to make sure that no matter where children get their education, they have the opportunity to reap the life-long benefits a connection to music can unlock.
INSTRUMENTAL OPPORTUNITY FOUNDATION
HOW IT WORKS
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Provide music educators with the resources needed to foster healthy learning environments conducive to curiosity, growth, and confidence
Increase participation, retention, and engagement in music education program.
Improve academic performance, middle to high school matriculation, and high school graduation rates
Use the power of music education to boost students’ confidence and impart life-long skills
In our partnered schools, Instrumental aims to:
If you’re interested in having Instrumental support your middle or high school music department, or you’re a sponsor eager to support Instrumental, please reach out to learn how to get started!
THE FOUNDER
KELSON LUMPKIN
Kelson Lumpkin is the founder and executive director of Instrumental. Raised in Augusta Georgia, he participated in a wide range of extracurricular activities (including theater, piano, and gymnastics). However, attending the Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School and playing trumpet in symphonic performance and jazz band is what truly began to expand his musical passion. Kelson’s love of music and participation in youth music education programs provided him with the structure, passion, and confidence that continued to drive his education and professional career outside of the arts.
Kelson continued on to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he excelled as a Division 1 gymnast while completing his undergraduate education in engineering. After graduating and commissioning as an Army Officer, Kelson championed diversity recruiting initiatives as a part of the Directorate of Admissions at West Point, achieving the best regional and national diversity recruiting numbers in West Point history. Following a medical discharge from the Army, Kelson attended the Villanova School of Law. He then used his law degree to pursue roles in the compliance and regulatory fields in the enforcement division of the NCAA and the regulatory affairs division of Johnson&Johnson.
Throughout his academic and professional career, Kelson has fostered his passion for community outreach and youth mentorship. He has helped prepare many middle and high school students for future success by coaching them in standardized test preparation, guiding them through applications to West Point and other institutions, and serving them as a mentor throughout their academic year. Kelson continues in these efforts by serving on the Service Academy Nomination Panel for West Point Admissions to interview and select congressional appointees to West Point for Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez.
THE DIRECTORS
MATT SIGNORE, SR.
MARIA SIGNORE
Porter's Call Board Chair & Former COO Warner Music Nashville
Board Director at The P.O Ken Tietjen Memorial Foundation
