Support Ballantyne School of Music's Relocation

As most of you know, our theater/dance partner in the Ballantyne Arts Center decided not to renew their lease at Ballantyne Corners and left at the end of April. The landlord contacted me and offered Ballantyne School of Music another stand-alone space on the second floor and asked me to get a quote from a contractor to build it out. Then, this past Monday, I received an unexpected Express Mail letter informing me that the landlord has chosen not to continue the relationship with us and gave us until July 31st to move out. To say that I was in shock would be an understatement.

I have been in this center since there were stakes in the ground. I met weekly with contractors to do the buildout, climbed ladders to the second floor to check on progress, and am the only tenant who has been in this center since it opened in 2011.

I purchased a failing music school and rebuilt it. I've paid over a million dollars in rent since I took possession of the space. I paid rent during COVID, even when we could not be open to operate. I opened a second location in 2018 in Indian Land, SC, which was the first music school to open in that area. I have never made a late rent payment and have been a "model tenant" (the Ballantyne Corners landlord's words) for 15 years. But, alas, here we are.

Please do not worry. If you know me, you know I will always find a way or make a way. If you've ever tried to locate the perfect size retail space in a perfect location in a limited timeframe, you know this will be a challenge. Add to that building it to suit your instructors' and families' needs with no delays. But, this community needs arts and music. Our students need us. Our instructors and their families need us. I need us. And, we will survive and become stronger. Adversity does that for you. You always grow more during tough times.

Since we were not budgeted to make this unplanned move, I am reluctantly setting up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with building expenses. I can do this on my own, somehow, and I will if I need to. But, our amazing Ballantyne School of Music family - teachers, students, parents and supporters - are the reason why we are so strong. This is the house that the Customer built (quoting Charlie Cawley - MBNA America). And, any support toward building our new home - no matter how small - would be valued and appreciated.

With love and hope from your faithful and fearless leader ;) Thank you.

~ Connie