Latest Impact & Happenings
Music Grant: "Just to be able to have the funds to purchase needed materials and to provide transportation to the performances has been incredible. Our three performances out of the building are truly my student's favorite part of the year. They have grown into confident young musicians from being able to perform in this kind of setting where everything they do is deeply appreciated."
Music Grant: "Receiving the Music Grant was deeply rewarding to me as a teacher because it reaffirmed the importance of the human connection that music creates. Teaching can be exhausting, and in today’s educational climate it is easy to lose sight of the “why” behind what we do when so much focus is placed on testing, data, and measurable outcomes. This grant allowed our students and me to step outside of those pressures and experience the true purpose of music education — building joy, connection, empathy, and community. Watching students interact with senior residents through music, laughter, conversation, and shared experiences was a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful learning cannot be measured by a test score. Seeing residents light up during performances and watching students recognize the impact they could have on others brought renewed purpose and energy to my teaching. The grant provided opportunities that nurtured not only musical growth, but also kindness, confidence, and human connection, which are just as valuable as any academic achievement."
Music Grant: "While performing the 1950s themed concert at one location, the students noticed many of the residents singing every word to many of the songs. After the performance, a resident asked to demonstrate several dance moves from that era. The students joined in & let him teach them some new moves. The resident and the students quickly bonded during this impromptu activity. Then the students visited with all the residents in small groups and asked what dances were their favorites. It was a heart-warming interaction!"
Music Grant: "This grant program was rewarding to me because it allowed me to watch students grow both musically and personally throughout the experience. I loved seeing students step up, take ownership of the performances, work together as an ensemble, and discover where they fit best within the group. It was especially meaningful to watch students gain confidence while interacting with the seniors, particularly those who were initially shy but eventually took initiative to introduce themselves and engage in conversation.
Beyond their musical growth, I was proud of the students on a human level for the empathy, patience, and cooperation they showed toward others throughout the rehearsal and performance processes. Seeing students realize that their music could genuinely bring joy and connection to others made this experience incredibly rewarding as an educator and strongly reflected my educational philosophy of "Nothing without joy.” (Loris Malaguzzi)"
Music Grant: "I love the stories my students tell me after they spend time with the seniors. Many of them were impressed by the Veterans' stories. A few students from last year were sad that we didn't visit one of the facilities from our trip last year, which, to me, means it has made a very positive impression on them! One of my students met an author at a Care Center and listened to her talk about all the books she had written. Little did the senior know, but my student was an aspiring author so it was cool for her to talk with someone in the profession. It also makes me so happy to see the students and seniors benefit from interacting with each other. My students always come away blossoming with love and hope and stories to tell me. The facility managers are always so thankful that there is a time to converse with the residents."
Music Grant: "This grant money is a lifeline for my severely underfunded school. I teach in a small village that is among the state's lowest 1% in property tax base, and property tax is how the state funds its schools. Of course, the experience these students gain through this experience far outweighs the monetary gain, but I am so grateful for both the experience and the boost to our tiny budget."
