Grant will help UCS students make beautiful music together

A local insurance agency is completely in tune with supporting an innovative idea to develop a long-term love of music in students.

State Farm Insurance Company is providing $2,500 to the Havel Elementary music program to provide a classroom set of Ukuleles and African drums.

“This grant will allow us to enhance the curriculum in UCS and further the experiences of students in listening, performing and creating music,” said Havel music teacher Ann Murray. “It gives them hands-on opportunities to perform the music, rather than just learn about the music.”

The Ukuleles should be in place in mid Spring. Murray said the instruments will be used by third through sixth graders to teach note reading and chord accompaniment.

The drums will support the Havel Drumming Ensemble, which allows students to meet after school to learn more about African drumming. Students also perform on African tubanos, djembes, hand drums, shekeres (African rattles) and gongokui (African bells).

Murray was among 40 Michigan teachers to receive a State Farm® Teacher Assist grant to support innovating teacher proposals.

“We think it is important to give back to our schools,” said State Farm agent Steve Barkley.

Source: Utica Community Schools

Http://www.uticak12.org

Robert Monroe, Superintendent