This year, ETM formed new partnerships with two schools: St. Anselm School and P.S. 43, both in the South Bronx. The addition of these schools increases the reach of ETM's programs to over 8,000 students in 17 schools – ten in the Bronx, six in Manhattan, and one in Brooklyn.
P.S. 43 serves over 500 students from Pre-K to 5th grade, while St. Anselm School serves over 500 students in Pre-K to 8th grade. Every child at these schools, including those in special education, is now receiving weekly music instruction in general music from an ETM-trained teaching artist, and many classes also learn keyboard and recorder. The new partner schools have embraced ETM's mission to provide a standards-based, sequential music education that reinforces essential cognitive skills.
P.S. 43 strives to create a setting which promotes high expectations for the entire school community that includes pupils, parents and staff. Through professional development and integrated, literature-based and thematic approaches, the parents and staff engage the students in active learning so that they can learn the skills and acquire the knowledge needed to function effectively in our modern society. The principal of the school is Giovanna Delucchi.
St. Anselm School seeks to educate the whole child – spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically – while also aspiring to create a safe and structured environment in which as many children as possible can be served. This goal is achieved through a spirit of mutual cooperation among teachers, students, parents and administration. The principal of the school is Teresa Lopes.
Though the school year is still young, the principals and teaching artists at the schools already have exciting stories about their students and how much they are learning from each other. Ms. Lopes stated that "We appreciate the enthusiasm for learning that our students bring into and take from their music class – and we look forward to hearing beautiful music echo throughout our halls."
In addition, new Teaching Artist Matthew Minchew was surprised by how quickly his students showed excitement for music class. One of Mr. Minchew's goals for the start of the year was to hear everybody's voice and to enable all students to hear one another. In order to do this, he split the class into groups, and each group chose a song to rearrange and perform, in whatever way they wished. Students participated enthusiastically and asked to perform more than once. Mr. Minchew cannot wait to see how far his students can progress musically!
ETM's expansion this fall was made possible in part by grants from the New York State Music Fund and the William E. Simon Foundation.
