Project #21: The Salvation Army Kansas and Western Missouri Music School
Although The Salvation Army may be most widely recognized for its Christmas Assistance Programs, its reach extends far beyond the holiday season. KMAZ employee Starla Clithero has been a soldier (member) of The Salvation Army since she was 14. Throughout the years she has donated endless hours to the organization, donating time to everything from ringing bells during the holidays to volunteering for various children’s programs. For the past 4 years, between January and May, Starla has spent one Saturday a month at The Salvation Army Kansas and Western Missouri Music School assisting with the group’s beginner band. This summer, from June 25 through July 2, Starla attended a week long Music and Gospel Arts Institute with about 20 Wichita area children who participated in the program’s band and choir camps. In addition to assisting with the beginner band and theory, Starla taught a theatre class,directed a staff skit, and participated in the faculty band. She also served as a cabin counselor for 10 teen girls. While she says spending a week of vacation at camp does not necessarily feel like volunteer work, KMAZ recognizes and appreciates Starla’s hard work and commitment to The Salvation Army. Of interesting note, 5 generations of Starla’s family have attended, taught and worked at The Salvation Army camps and her parents actually met at this camp 53 years ago.