The Piedmont College Department of Music has joined with three high schools from surrounding counties to create the Piedmont College Wind Ensemble Partnership.

The partnership will perform its inaugural concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Chapel at the college in Demorest.

"Favorites From the Past" is the theme for the upcoming performance, which will feature songs from a traditional literature for band.

Piedmont wind ensemble director Hoyt LeCroy says this will be the largest instrumental ensemble concert performed in the Piedmont Chapel, with a group of 70 performers. The concert is free and open to the public.

"It has been an exhilarating experience to work with talented college students, high school students, members of the community and Piedmont faculty and staff in the preparation of this premiere Partnership concert," LeCroy said.

As part of the partnership, Piedmont is providing grants to the band programs at Habersham Central, Rabun County and White County high schools.

Grants made to school band programs will be used for instructional improvement such as guest artists and clinics that might not otherwise be available to them.

"We believe that arts education partnerships between colleges and high schools may be one of the most effective means of inspiring young people and sharing knowledge and resources," said Wallace Hinson, chairman of the Piedmont College Department of Music.