by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

The second grade children's voices rang out, 'Start your day with a song' to the words and tune composed by Teresa and Paul Jennings. ​This is one of the songs the students have been learning and it teaches them a great philosophy...to start their day with music!

The students gave an enthusiastic performance for their spring concert! 

I have been accompanying the Bendix Elementary students spring concerts for the last 13 years have seen first hand how their teacher, Penny Koets, uses the magic of music to teach and transform her students. The music supports the grade level curriculum and introduces students to a variety of cultural musical traditions from Argentina, Mexico, Ghana, France, African American, and traditional American folk music.

As I was approaching the music room for a recent rehearsal, one of the classes was lined up waiting to enter the classroom when I overhead one of the students exclaim, 'I love music!'

While the students are experiencing the joy of music, they are developing tools that will enrich their lives forever.

• The art of concentration and listening
• Working as a team
• Memorizing positive messages through lyrics
• Gaining self confidence 
• Rhythm teaches fractions
  
• Lyrics teach language
• Expressing thoughts and emotions through music
• Learning that music is always with you
• Music is just plain fun!​

When the students music period is over, so many of them head off with smiles on their faces!​

Music in our schools truly enhances the learning experiences of the young people in our communities.

SUPPORT MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS!​

Have you had an experience where music has enriched your life?​ I would love to hear your story!