Orange Street School is not just a building but a beacon of hope and creativity for our community's youth. While many stories have emerged about the school's revival, it's essential to highlight one of its most significant collaborators: Sandhills Jazz Society. At the heart of our community, Sandhills Jazz Society is committed to fostering musical talent among students and has been nothing short of remarkable.
Founded in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and educational organization in Fayetteville, Sandhills Jazz Society has tirelessly worked to establish our city as a vibrant hub for musical exchange. The music is not just about jazz but about connecting with diverse interests to create innovative programs tailored for young individuals who may not find their passion in traditional sports.
Sandhills Jazz Society is excited about launching the Orange Street Music Education Lab, developed in collaboration with Fayetteville-Cumberland County Parks & Recreation. The lab represents a significant leap forward in providing youth with artistic expression and skill development. SJS will oversee all daily operations at the lab, ensuring that every aspect—from maintaining industry-leading equipment standards to offering expert technical support is handled with precision and care. SJS has meticulously designed the recording studio, adhering to the highest standards of acoustics, aesthetics, and functionality, with every detail thoughtfully planned to ensure an exceptional experience for artists, producers, and sound engineers.
Tina Turner is a passionate leader of the project. She is excited to share insights into their transformative work at Orange Street School.
“As one of the three founders of the Sandhills Jazz Society, I am thrilled to embark on this exciting project. Being an alumnus of E.E. Smith, I feel a deep sense of pride in being able to bring this initiative to Orange Street School. Our vision embraces a wide spectrum of music genres, including jazz, blues, and world music, as well as evolving forms influenced by modern technologies and media. This opportunity allows me to contribute to the community. It holds a unique and cherished place in my heart as I connect my past experiences with this vibrant musical endeavor,” she said.
Turner also shared that their mission is to promote interest in jazz music and engage new generations with their work while producing an enjoyable and financially viable annual All-American City Jazz Festival. They aimlessly strive to increase appreciation for jazz and strengthen the arts community through special projects such as artistic exchanges, partnerships, educational workshops, community programs, and collaborations that enhance the art form.
Tyshica Smith will be working alongside the Sandhills Jazz Society. With Smith at the helm as Youth Development and Cultural Arts Coordinator, there is confidence that her expertise will enrich their program significantly through her innovative approach to creating inspiring opportunities
for our youth.
In showcasing the contributions of the Sandhills Jazz Society, Up & Coming Weekly wanted to highlight SJS’s efforts of unwavering belief in nurturing our youth through music. Their work deserves recognition as they play an integral role in shaping future generations—one note at a time.
The Orange Street School is a testament to resilience and community spirit, having served generations of Black students since its inception in 1915. Originally one of the first publicly funded schools for Black children in Fayetteville, it played a pivotal role in the educational landscape, eventually becoming the birthplace of E.E. Smith High School, our historically Black public high school. However, after years of neglect and disrepair following its closure in 1953, this cherished institution was at risk of being forgotten.
Now, 110 years after it opened its doors, we are witnessing a remarkable revival. The revitalized two-story brick building at 600 Orange Street has undergone an impressive four-year renovation. This transformation is not only about restoring bricks and mortar, but about renewing hope and opportunity for our community’s children and teens.
The journey to this moment hasn’t been easy. Fueled by passionate advocacy from groups like the Orange Street School Historical Association and The Ville’s Voice during critical moments such as the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, their efforts highlight the importance of preserving this historic site for future generations.
With financial support from city, county, state, and significant contributions from partners like Google and Microsoft through The Two-Six Project—raising an additional $500,000 for Two-Six Labs—the Orange Street School is set to become more than just a building; it will be a beacon of empowerment for youth in our community.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Feb. 27 to celebrate its reopening. The school offers STEM educational activities and cultural arts geared toward youth in the city and Cumberland County that are dedicated to ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities for every student. By integrating fine arts and scientific resources into their curriculum, they are committed to delivering high-quality student outcomes that encompass mastery of essential 21st-century skills. These skills include proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math, and artistic endeavors that foster creativity and expression. Impressive!
The Orange Street School’s overall goal is to emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving abilities alongside effective communication and collaboration. They understand the importance of digital literacy in today’s world, equipping students with information and communication technologies necessary for success. We can all see why and thank all who contributed to the reopening of this remarkable school!

(Photo:The Music Education Lab in the Orange Street school will focus on creating artistic expression and skill development for students. Photo courtesy of Tina Turner, Sandhills Jazz Society)