Williamson County Schools + FirstBank

Above (L/R): Jason Golden (Superintendent of Schools, Williamson County), Alex Tinker (Project Manager, Gibson Gives), Rick McEachern and Nancy McEachern (Owners, FirstBank Amphitheater), Erica Krusen (Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives), Demetra Kopulos (VIP Program Director, FirstBank Amphitheater, and Mark Kinzer (Director of Fine Arts, Williamson County).

 Josh Beech

The nonprofit arm of music brand Gibson partnered with FirstBank Amphitheatre to raise money for both Williamson County public schools and music education. 

This year, Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater brought their selection of guitars and instruments signed by Alice Cooper, Brantley Gilbert, James Taylor, Willie Nelson, Cody Jinks, Collective Soul, Daughtry, The Doobie Brothers, Halestorm, Judas Priest, Rise Against, Tedeschi Trucks Band and more. 

“Through our partnership with FirstBank Amphitheater, we are proud to amplify the power of music for the next generation,” says Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “We believe deeply in supporting music education, and this annual investment strengthens Williamson County music programs by helping inspire creativity, expand access, and empower young artists to find their voice.”

The online sale raised $216,000 throughout the last five years, which will benefit students across Williamson County. 

"We are grateful to Gibson Gives for their generous support of the fine arts programs in Williamson County Schools," says Mark Kinzer, Director of Fine Arts at Williamson County Schools. "This gift is an investment in creativity, opportunity and the power of music to change lives. We are honored to partner with an organization that believes so strongly in making a meaningful difference.”

Every winning bid funded instruments, teacher support, and music programming across Williamson County Schools, and each instrument sold represented a direct investment in classrooms—from acoustic workhorses to iconic electrics. Funds raised will be used to purchase varied instruments, support teacher training, and expand in‑school and after‑school music programs.

“This program has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s inspiring to see its impact on young musicians in Williamson County,” says Rick and Nancy McEachern, Owners of FirstBank Amphitheater. “Our performers are proud to give back to an industry that’s given them so much, and we look forward to growing this initiative.”