“GLEE” guitarist Derik Nelson will play a pop/rock concert at the Sumner School District Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Sept. 19. The concert will raise funds for Sumner High Schools art and music programs.

The fundraising concert is part of Nelson’s “Take Chances Tour,” which provides high schools up and down the West Coast the opportunity to raise money through ticket sales for his live shows.

“My brother, sister, and I grew up in public school,” Nelson said. “We are passionate about the arts, music, and about giving back and we see the budget cuts really affecting these schools. We wanted an out-of-the-box way for schools to fundraise.”

The Take Chances Tour is scheduled to reach at least 30 schools and each one is expected to earn $2,000 to $10,000 through the program. Nelson and his team also provide a free educational assembly to students at the school about career opportunities in the arts.

Sumner High School’s choir director, Karlene Miles, is excited about the live concert and sees tremendous potential for the fundraising aspect.

“We are thrilled Sumner is one of the communities selected for this cool fundraising concert experience!” Miles said. “It is such a fabulous idea to come to local high schools and give back to their music programs! As music educators we are so proud to see young talented people like Derik doing wonderful things in their lives and for their communities.”

Matthew Morrison, the Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe-nominated star who portrays the optimistic high school glee club teacher on FOX’s “GLEE” says this educational give-back tour is close to his heart.

“Derik’s incredible vocal talent, songwriting, and genuine discipline sets him ahead of other artists,” Morrison said. “This tour concept is absolutely revolutionary, and I’m so proud of Derik for the way he’s impacting and fundraising for music education in schools.”

“I want a way to reach my fans, and I want to make a difference in arts & music education. It’s a win/win,” Nelson said.

Concert tickets to benefit Sumner School District are on sale now for $15 and $20. They can be purchased at the door or by calling the Sumner High School main office at 253-891-5500. Visit www.deriknelson.com/tour to learn more about the fundraising tour.