Dayton elementary schools get $160K for music programs

Dayton Public Schools received eight grants to go toward elementary school music programs.

The Save the Music Foundation has partnered with Dayton schools to make sure students have access to comprehensive music education by awarding Intro to Music grants to eight Dayton elementary schools, according to a release.

The grants total more than $160,000 used for musical instruments, program support, professional development and monitoring services for a 10-year period.

The instruments bring Orff-Swulwerk philosophy to all elementary music classrooms. The philosophy involves speaking, singing, moving and playing, plus improves academic achievement and helps students develop lifelong skills, the release said.

“DPS leadership is investing in music education at the foundational level, and Save The Music is matching that investment through our grants,” said Jaclyn Rudderow, program director for Save the Music Foundation.

“Together we are ensuring that every elementary student across DPS has access to a well-rounded education through active music-making in school.”

The grants are supported by the Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation; Martha Holden Jennings Foundation; and the George B. Quatman Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee; along with additional local and national donations.

The elementary schools that will receive the grants are: Charity Adams Early Girls Academy, Cleveland Elementary, Edison Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Horace Mann Elementary, Kemp Elementary, River’s Edge Montessori and Roosevelt Elementary.

The Save the Music Foundations is a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 that helps children, schools and communities realize their full potential through the power of making music, the release stated.

For more information on how the grants will be used in Dayton, contact Public Information Officer Alex Kincaid at 937-542-3054.

For more information on the Save the Music Foundation visit the website www. savethemusic.org