Your next concert ticket could help teach Sioux Falls kids guitar

This fall, Sioux Falls high school students will be able to take a guitar class for the first time — and sales from area concerts will go to support it.

A partnership between Pepper Entertainment and the Sioux Falls School District aims to “amp up” support for the new course.

It was announced this spring and already has enrolled 145 students. Pepper Entertainment will donate $1 from each ticket sold for all its Sioux Falls concerts through 2023 to the effort.

“I’ve always wanted to create a charitable component to the Pepper brand. Having attended Sioux Falls public schools, I’m honored to participate in the program and help kids pursue their dream of music,” president and CEO Jered Johnson said.

Pepper Entertainment also will work to secure school visits from professional musicians who are in Sioux Falls for their performances. Local musicians including Kory Van Sickle from Kory & the Fireflies are also on board to work with students who will meet, learn from and “jam” with artists from all music genres.

“The goal is to connect students to real-world applications of their courses and to encourage them to explore future career paths in the music industry,” Pepper Entertainment said in a statement. “From marketing to mixing music, to stage design and lighting, the music industry depends on professionals from other industries to create the unforgettable concert experience.”