Mr. Raymiah Jackson was born and raised in Marshall, TX. He received his Bachelor of Music and his Master of Fine Arts in Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. He spent seven years in public schools in the surrounding Houston area (both being Title I schools) before coming on to teach with KIPP Houston Public Schools in 2012. His primary instrument is violin/viola under the training of Dr. Isidor Saslav, but spends his weekends on bass for community events and local performances. As a young musician, Jackson received an opportunity to perform with his former orchestra teacher Ken Lattimore, who is now a member of country/western group Sons of the Pioneers. In his musical career, Mr. Jackson has performed with the Marshall Symphony, Orchestra of the Pines, the SFA Chamber Orchestra and the Mu Xi Chapter Men’s Chorus of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. His ten years as a strings teacher has included both private lessons and public school settings. Many of his students have gone on to be involved in regional orchestras, Houston Youth Symphony, and university orchestras. From 2007 through 2010 orchestras under his care have earned consistent First Division ratings at UIL competetitions, including “Sweepstakes” honors in 2008. Other superior and first division honors include those from the Humble Invitational, Pride of Texas and Soundwaves music festivals. At KIPP Houston Public Schools, his students have been featured performers at the Muscular Dystrophy Association Annual Muscle Walk, Downtown Houston’s House of Blues, the 2014 KIPP Gala, and with Mark Wood in a combined Electrify Your Strings concert including KIPP Sharp Orchestra, KIPP Sharpstown Orchestra and Choir, and YES Prep Orchestra. As a strong believer of the KIPP mission and vision, Mr. Jackson works hard to instill the truths spoken to him in the process of getting to and through college, constantly reminded by the words of Marianne Williamson that “our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.” KIPP Houston Public Schools a public charter school organization that focuses on getting students from underserved communities to and through college. The arts are slowly gaining momentum in the school system, but it is difficult to find funds for adequate equipment and supplies to give students the type of instruction they deserve. The purpose of using PledgeCents will be for assistance in finding an appropriate grant option and funding/partnership that would fit KIPP Northeast College Prep and possibly other schools within our district.