PS157 Grove Hill Groovers Rock Out with My Brother’s Keeper
Few experiences can measure up to the joy of watching your kids perform in a music recital. All the hard work that lead up to that moment is felt in the air and one by one, they do their best to the delight of parents and teachers alike. This past week, we had the pleasure of being a part of My Brother’s Keeper. PS157 is located in Grove Hill so they became the Grove Hill Groovers with My Brother’s Keeper! If you are familiar with My Brother’s Keeper, it is an initiative begun by former President Barack Obama and here is what he had to day about it:
“That’s what ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ is all about. Helping more of our young people stay on track. Providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future. Building on what works – when it works, in those critical life-changing moments.”
– President Barack Obama, February 27, 2014
Real Music Education is Critical
We are so grateful to have been able to provide an amazing musical experience to these young students. Their enthusiasm and excitement for music made it easy to introduce the foundations of music education. We covered their first notes, rhythms and even melodies. As with any other language, it is vital that children receive music education as early as possible.
This creates a fluent language of expression for each child, much in the same way learning how to ready and write carries with them throughout their lives. The earlier we learn something, the easier it is to absorb and have it be a permanent part of us.
That is why we taught real music vocabulary. This was no simple singalong! They did amazing and learned all about new instruments, notes and songs. Each lesson built upon the last and finally they prepared for their final performance. You can view the videos of each performance below.
Performances
One of our favorite parts of this experience were performances of each grade. From Pre-school, kindergarten and first grade, they all did an amazing job. Keep in mind that these students had never taken a music lesson before. It’s easy to get lost in the fact that they are playing a nursery song.
This is real music and invaluable for them in their academic journey. Music benefits all of us in numerous ways, not the least of which is helping us perform better in all walks of life. It has been shown to help with academic studies and test scores. Music also creates a sense of community and belonging with students’ peers.
