(Pictured from left to right at the concert announcing the donation are Buddy, Chase and Carolyn Pittman, along with Stephen Goacher, director of the Jazz Ensemble and professor of music.)

Buddy and Carolyn Pittman, parents of Howard Payne University student and ensemble member Chase Pittman, recently donated a drum set to HPU’s Jazz Ensemble. The Pittmans’ donation was announced at an ensemble concert titled “The Gift of Rhythm,” held this spring.

“The story of the new drum set for the Department of Music is really a story of servants’ hearts,” said Dr. Richard Fiese, dean of the School of Music and Fine Arts. “Chase, Buddy and Carolyn generously acted upon an opportunity they saw to serve the Lord and the Chapel services at HPU through the gift of music and a new drum set.”

Chase, a sophomore from Trophy Club majoring in accounting, is a guitarist in the Jazz Ensemble. Through his involvement with the ensemble, he recognized the need for a new set. After his parents became aware of the need, they approached Stephen Goacher, professor of music and director of the Jazz Ensemble, about making the donation.

The Department of Music previously had a single drum set used in Jazz Ensemble performances and by the HPU Chapel Band. The donation allows each musical group to have its own dedicated set for practices and performances.