The BASS (Bringing Arts to Schools and Seniors) program was started in 2003 by the Master Musicians Festival as a way to make the festival more active year round in promoting the arts in our community. Its mission is to provide quality arts programs to enrich the lives of senior citizens and inspire the creativity of students. The BASS (pronounced “base”) program has brought local artists to hundreds of students in our schools with programs that directly focus on specific state curriculum requirements like classical music and dance. Senior citizens have also benefited from programs sponsored by BASS, which has brought music by members of Beacon Hill Baptist Church and Southwestern High School’s Music Honor Society to local care facilities. Cooperating with the Watershed Arts Alliance, BASS also brought Poet Laureate Joe Survant to the hospital’s senior physical therapy patients.
In 2005, longtime MMF volunteer Levi Evans embarked on a six and a half month journey on the Appalachian Trail. His adventure took him 2,174 miles on foot from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. Before he left, Levi challenged MMF supporters to contribute to the BASS program by making a per mile pledge. On March 9th he set out from Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the AT, with a nineteen pound pack, a warm sleeping bag, and a determination to see the journey through to the end. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 1,392 would-be thru hikers started north from Georgia in 2005, with 309 of them completing their hike at Mt. Katahdin, Maine. Injury, fatigue, and emptied bank accounts ended the journey of many thru hikers prematurely. With some good luck, perseverance, and a lot of support from friends, family, and good Samaritans, Levi was fortunate enough to completed the entire trail. In the process he collected countless memories, some good stories, and raised more than $3,000 for the BASS program.
Now the BASS program is coordinating with teachers and artists to continue the good work of bringing the arts to young people and senior citizens in our community. Levi is currently developing programs to bring to our schools and senior citizens. If you have ideas or requests for BASS programs please contact him at
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