“I want to play sax for the rest of my life.” — BVP Upper Elementary School Scholar
Thanks to the incredible Blackstone Valley Prep music team and a recent grant from the Find Your Light Foundation, a national not-for-profit dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience a quality arts education, Upper Elementary School scholars enjoyed the network’s first-ever, after-school band practice last month.
The new band program—being piloted at UES—introduces 5th and 6th grade scholars to a variety of band instruments, including trumpets, clarinets, and trombones, and expands their musical education, allowing them to connect to music like never before.
“We have a great group of scholars who have joined the program and have been working very hard at home to learn their new instruments!” said Krystle Poirier, District Music Chair.
With additional support and planning, the music team hopes to bring an after-school band program to Junior High School (7th-8th grade) in the next two to three years and BVP High School within the next five. Adding choral programs at the elementary and secondary levels is also part of the overall vision.
“Our daily goal is to instill a passion for music and the arts into the hearts of every scholar so they can take the lessons and skills that music teaches—discipline, creative thinking, improvising, and social emotional regulation—with them through life,” said Krystle.
Some of our favorite comments overheard during the first rehearsal were:
“I can’t believe we get to learn real adult instruments. I LOVE MUSIC!”
“This has been the best part of my day.”
“I have been looking forward to band all day… Not video games, not recess, just band. Thank you for letting me do this!”
Please note: Photos were taken on March 8, 2022, after the school mask mandate shifted from masks required to masks recommended.
