Grappone Mazda Test Drives Raise Funds for Concord High Music

Grappone Mazda Test Drives Raise Funds for Concord High Music

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Concord High School students aim for $10,000 through Mazda test drive fundraiser

A single test drive could contribute $50 toward the future of music education in Concord, New Hampshire. On Saturday, November 7, 2026, students from the Tri-M Music Honor Society partnered with Grappone Mazda to host a “Be Moved Drive” event, turning local car enthusiasts into patrons of the performing arts.

The initiative, which ran from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the dealership located at 134 Manchester Street, was designed to bridge a critical funding gap for Concord High School’s diverse music programs. According to reporting from WMUR, the fundraiser targeted a $10,000 goal to support a wide array of musical disciplines, including the concert band, marching band, jazz band, orchestra, and concert choir.

For many students, participation in these ensembles comes with a personal price tag. Gabriel Cohen, a music teacher and the performing arts coordinator in Concord, noted that students often have to pay for various requirements out of their own pockets. This financial barrier can create an environment where participation is dictated by economic status rather than talent or interest.

“Students have to pay for a lot of those things out of their pocket, and sometimes there’s expectations for students to participate in things and not everyone can afford it. So, a lot of times, these kind of fundraisers help to fund study for students,” Cohen said, as reported by WMUR.

Closing the gap for student musicians

The partnership with Grappone Mazda seeks to ensure that budgetary constraints do not silence student voices. Courtney Chagnon, the general sales manager at Grappone Mazda, emphasized that the “Be Moved Drive Program” is centered on student empowerment. The goal is to prevent any student from being excluded from musical opportunities due to a lack of funds.

The logistics of the event were straightforward for the community: adults with a valid U.S. driver’s license could visit the dealership and complete a test drive of a new Mazda. For every completed drive, the dealership committed $50 to the school’s music program, as detailed by happeningnext.com. To maintain the integrity of the drive, participants were limited to one test drive each.

While such community-driven fundraisers provide immediate relief, they also highlight a broader, systemic reality in American public education. When specialized programs like jazz bands or orchestras rely on “out-of-pocket” contributions or local business partnerships, it underscores the increasing reliance on extracurricular funding to maintain a well-rounded curriculum. This shift often places the burden of educational equity on the shoulders of local philanthropists and private businesses rather than centralized budgets.

The economic stakes are clear. For the Concord High School music department, reaching the $10,000 mark isn’t just about buying new sheet music or instruments; it is about maintaining the accessibility of the program itself. If the goal is met, it provides a buffer that allows students from various socioeconomic backgrounds to participate in the marching band or orchestra without the looming shadow of unexpected costs.

As the event concludes, the total amount raised will determine how much of that $10,000 goal was realized through the community’s willingness to take a drive. Whether the final tally meets the students’ ambitious target remains to be seen.

Grappone Visits the Concord Community Music School

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