A young musician raises $30,000 for a grand piano for his school’s band program

"I am proud that we got this piano. It has a spiritual sense - like it makes me feel strong that I was able to accomplish this."

COLUMBUS COUNTY (WWAY) — To 14-year-old Corbin Lovett of Tabor City, seeing himself accomplish a goal like this was music to his eyes.

Reporter: “What grade are you in?
Corbin: “I’m in the 8th grade.”
Keelin: “You’re in the 8th grade playing like that?
Corbin: “Yessir.”

Corbin’s music instructor, Jimmy Price, says Corbin’s playing ability is a gift from God.

“He has a gift from God. This is not something that I have been able to say I did with him. This is something I was able to help and cultivate in him,” Price said.

In August, Corbin saw something was missing from his middle school band program– a grand piano. The only way he knew he could get one was through donations. He knew it was the key to reaching his goal. So, he started a fund raising initiative called “88 keys for Tabor City School, where he sells one ivory for $350.

“I am proud that we got this piano. It has a spiritual sense – like it makes me feel strong that I was able to accomplish this,” Corbin said.

And boy, can he play.

“To see him do what he loves and be fulfilled in it, that’s all a teacher can ask. I try to pull him back and give him the technical- he doesn’t like the technical stuff sometimes,” Price said.

It took him three months to raise the $30,000 he needed to buy it. It was hard for him. However, he crescendoed ’til he met his target.

“All the hard work that me and the donors put in for the piano had finally paid off. It was a big milestone in my life,” Corbin shared.

Pushing through until you reach your goal is a defining note in his character.
Tabor City Middle School honored Corbin’s effort with a reception Thursday night. They then performed their Christmas concert.