By Molly Gibson | Development Associate
“From the second I walk into the orchestra room for morning practice, [music] motivates and excites me. It helps me get ready for the rest of the day. I love music, and music class is my favorite because I can have fun, express myself and learn.”
-Derek,* fourth-grade student at P.S. 68 in the Bronx
Happy summer from ETM! The “lazy days” of summer may be upon us, but many ETM students have been hard at work sharpening their music skills at ETM’s second annual Summer Music Academy. Over 60 students attended this year’s Academy, held at partner school M.S. 529 in the Bronx. Besides participating in ensembles, Academy students got the chance to take on fun, new musical challenges—including a Broadway-style performance and an eclectic musical grab bag. What a great way to keep up the momentum for music education over the summer months!
As we gear up to head back to school this fall, let’s take a look at how your donations have helped ETM continue to grow. The past year was a productive and rewarding one for our partner school students. Every child in our 28 partner schools received regular music instruction, and at 13 of those schools, students like Derek participated in supplementary band or string orchestra programs. Students showcased their skills in holiday and year-end concerts, heard from visiting performers like Peter Cincotti and the “Time for Three” string trio, and performed at the Bronx Parade and other community events. We’re always impressed by what our students accomplish. Thank you for making it possible!
At ETM, we believe music education helps students achieve more in and out of the classroom. For Derek, music is a vehicle for self-confidence and self-expression, as well as a way to boost his academic skills:
“I love music because it helps build my confidence. The confidence I have in music helps me, not just while I’m performing, but in everything I do. Music helps me to concentrate more, especially in math, and gives me the confidence to keep moving forward even when I’m struggling.”
Many ETM students share experiences like Derek’s—and parents and teachers have taken note. According to program evaluation data from 2013-2014, 97% of classroom teachers report that ETM positively impacts students’ self-esteem, and 97% also think the program improves students’ creativity. Principals report that parents have embraced the program and are proud of their children’s achievements. And the benefits outlast the school year. ETM instruction can foster a lifelong appreciation for music, as it did for Derek: “I continue to learn and grow as a musician because I know that music will always be a part of my life,” he writes.
These inspiring results are only possible because of the enthusiastic support of donors like you. You can share your passion for ETM’s work by forwarding this report to friends or family members. Let them know how they can make a difference!
With sincere thanks,
The ETM Staff
*Name has been changed to protect the student’s privacy.
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