Enrich Music Education at Bukalasa Seminary in Uganda

Melodies of Change: An International Partnership Will Bring Pianos to Students in Uganda from Donors in St. Louis

Father Thomas Sserwadda and Jackson Pianos of St. Louis Join Forces to Enrich Music Education

Uganda, Africa (May 20, 2024)—Father Thomas Sserwadda, a renowned priest, doctoral student at St. Louis University, and advocate for performing arts education, has partnered with Jackson Pianos in St. Louis to enhance the children’s music program at Bukalasa Seminary in his native Uganda by shipping donated pianos from St. Louis to the school.

The initiative seeks to enhance musical training and performance opportunities for students ages 11 to 18 who attend Bukalasa Seminary. Together, Sserwadda and Jackson Pianos owners Joseph Jackson and Morgan Cameron plan to raise $25,000.00 to ship twenty donated, refurbished pianos to the Seminary. Jackson Pianos will utilize a combination of inventory they currently hold as well as piano donations from the St. Louis community.

This partnership aligns with Sserwadda’s vision after his doctoral studies to uplift Ugandan children through music education, foster cultural diversity, and nurture personal growth. In his doctoral research at SLU, Sserwadda excels in demonstrating the practical application of music in education, and in bringing African melodies and rhythms to life by creating stunning educational experiences.

"Music can inspire, uplift, and bring people together,” Sserwadda said. “By enriching the music program at Bukalasa Seminary, we hope to nurture the talents of these children and provide them with a platform to express themselves and build their confidence. This is not just about music, it's about their holistic development."

Sserwadda initially contacted Jackson and Cameron about the project after learning of Jackson Pianos' commitment to aiding in music education and the company's charitable work on similar projects, which includes sponsoring and supplying instruments for live music events around the city, co-founding the organization Pianos For People, and offering their “Keys to the City” program, which supplies pianos for long term rental for free to venues agreeing to maintain the instruments and pay musicians fairly.

Jackson and Cameron's team of piano workers will inspect, clean, repair, and secure the instruments for shipping. Jackson Pianos will also host several events where volunteers can help prepare the instruments alongside the pros.

“It will take a lot of time and money to prep that number of pianos, but we are so excited and proud to collaborate with Father Thomas and support the music program at Bukalasa Seminary,” Jackson said. “Music education serves as a potent tool for personal development and community cohesion, and we hope our company’s involvement will make a substantial and enduring impact on the lives of these children and their community.”

To see if your piano qualifies to be donated to the project, learn more about the volunteer events, or financially support this endeavor, visit jacksonpianos.com/pianosforuganda for more information.

Additional information:

For questions or to provide financial support: Contact Sserwadda at [phone redacted] or [email redacted].

Videos of selected musical performances are available online:

Partnership opportunities with Sserwadda and with Jackson Pianos are available.

Media Contact:

Father Thomas Sserwadda

PhD Candidate, St. Louis University

Email: [email redacted]

Phone: [phone redacted]

ABOUT BUKALASA SEMINARY

P.O. Box 106, Masaka Diocese, Uganda, East Africa

+256772320620

Bukalasa Seminary, located in the central region of Uganda, Masaka diocese, is a renowned educational institution that provides quality education to underprivileged children.

ABOUT JACKSON PIANOS

4354 Olive St., St. Louis MO 63108

314.371.4527

Jackson Pianos, a prominent St. Louis-based provider of high-quality pianos, leverages the transformative power of music to enhance communities, particularly emphasizing acoustic instruments. Their commitment goes beyond traditional methods, exploring innovative ways to create meaningful change in both individuals and society.