By Maraiya Hakeem | Development Associate
“I feel a sense of accomplishment when a specific part of my music gives me trouble and I finally get it right…I am always learning and finding out new ways to be better than I already am…” –Raven*, Partner School Student
We at ETM thank you so much for your past support! Throughout this school year, students like Raven have attended weekly music classes, and participated in holiday concerts and community performances, while receiving the quality music education they deserve. The ETM music teacher at P.S./M.S. 7, Jason Atkinson, for example, provides a glimpse of how the students have responded to the program you are supporting. He writes:
It was Monday morning and a class of fourth graders passed by me, asking, “We’ve got you this Friday, right?” Later that afternoon I saw another student who beamed, “See you Friday!” even though it was only Monday. Though I liked to think of myself as a good teacher, I knew that it was not me they were looking forward to seeing; it was the drums.
When the drums arrived, all bright and decorated, I stacked them in the corner of my room like a tower of color. When they were passed out, the sound was powerful and cathartic, washing away the day to day stress of life in East Harlem.
The best part about the drums has been that everyone was starting from the same level, which has been a great equalizer for the students. This was, I imagined, a welcome break for people who have just moved here from foreign countries, like Celine* who just moved here from Mexico, and would not talk in class, or express her opinion.
As we worked through drum grooves, I saw her confidence grow. She was counting out rhythms a little more assuredly and hitting the patterns with a little more confidence. We have repeated these patterns again and again, making sure everyone really gets their part and, as we say, “locks deeply into the groove” As I said goodbye to my students last week, Celine put her away her drum, and came up to me and said, “See you next Friday.”
This type of hands-on learning has allowed students to develop their music skills, self-esteem and confidence. Now that the school year is coming to a close, teachers and students are gearing up for their end-year concerts, and for our third annual ETM Festival, to be held at Marcus Garvey Park in June. Your support has made a positive difference in the lives of our students, and if you are ever interested in visiting a school, feel free to contact our office for further details.
Thank you again for helping our kids to become better students, musicians, and learners!
Our music programs are reaching over 15,000 students during the 2013-14 school year, with plans to expand to reach even more children this fall. Please consider sharing our program with a friend or colleague to ensure that NYC students can continue to have these rewarding experiences through music.
*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the student
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