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Dunham sophomore and rock guitarist Samuel Jeter combined his love for rock music with a desire to help others to create the St. Jude Jam, a battle of the bands-style concert to raise money for the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 

“This concert was about helping kids,” Samuel said. “St. Jude Jam  featured great music and great food for a great cause, supporting the life-saving work of St. Jude, which provides free treatment to kids fighting cancer.”

Samuel's own Baton Rouge House Band and rock bands from Baton Rouge, Metairie, Memphis, Germantown and Pearland all recruited through the School of Rock network, competed in the St. Jude Jam, each performing one set. Fans then voted for their favorite performance by donating to a virtual tip jar.  All the musicians participating in the event are high school students. Samuel’s efforts raised $23,000 for St. Jude.

When asked about his favorite part of the experience, Samuel smiled from ear to ear.

"It was the giant check we gave St. Jude. It was such a shock how much we raised and I was extremely proud of it," he said. " I learned so much-- how to put a show together and how much goes along with it. For months I constantly sent emails to potential sponsors, current sponsors, and people who were helping us with sound, and the venue. I had to stay in constant touch with everyone, so that we were all on the same page about the concert."

“I am very proud of the work Sam did on behalf of St. Jude and School of Rock,” said Dunham band director Michael Hull. “To organize a music festival is work enough, but to have the heart and mind to get local sponsors and fundraise for such a charitable cause shows his true character. This mentality, coupled with his love of and talent in music, will take Samuel anywhere he wants to go!”

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