The BES Parent Teacher Organization has been essential to the advancement of our music program. For the last several years in a row, they have purchased a soprano recorder for every third grade student and every newly-enrolled fourth grade student at BES. This allows every student at Bridgman Elementary School to have their own instrument for performing.
The BES PTO has also recently purchased several unpitched percussion instruments so we will have more quality instruments for class and concert use! Thank you for continuing to bring quality programs and experiences to Bridgman Elementary School!
BRIDGMAN FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
The Bridgman Elementary School music program was awarded a classroom innovation grant in 2014-15 to purchase "Recorder Consorts." Through this grant, we were able to purchase tenor, alto, sopranino, and garklein recorders for our classroom use. The students play them in ensembles along with the student-owned soprano recorders. They study and perform authentic musical repertoire from several historical eras and sharpen their listening and ensemble-playing skills.
In 2012-2013, we received a classroom innovation grant from the Bridgman Foundation for Educational Excellence. This launched our "Instruments of the World" program. Grant funds purchased authentic instruments from South America, Africa, Asia, and Indonesia. Students explore, perform, and create music on the instruments. The world instruments also enhance our ability to make cross-curricular connections, particularly with social studies, science, and English/language arts.
PRIVATE DONORS
Since December of 2012, we have received some much appreciated private donations of instruments from members of our community. Their donations have included two electronic keyboards, two "floor" keyboard mats, early childhood music "toys," thirteen hand drums; class sets of jingle bells, castanets, and egg shakers; as well as a wood block and a triangle. More recently, we have received a donation of an African tongue drum and a talking drum. Thank you to the individuals and families that have supported our program!
Remember, if you have your own musical items that are not being used, donations to BES are tax deductible and will be used by nearly 380 students every year!
THE HARVEY AND VIRGINIA KIMMEL ARTS EDUCATION FUND OF THE PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION
Each year, we are able to invite a professional performing arts group to Bridgman Elementary School, and we have the Kimmel family to thank. Their sponsorship of these events goes back several years. Since Mrs. Griswold's arrival in 2012, performances have included:
2019-2020: The Kimmel Foundation performance was canceled due to the COVID-19 school closure 2018-19: The Strike Time Dance Troupe from Hope College, performing, "Mission: I'm Possible" 2017-18: The Village Puppeteers, performing their puppet show, "Lost in Storyland" 2016-17: The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, performing works of Vivaldi, Dvorak, and Bartok 2015-16: Grand Rapids Symphony percussionist, David Hall, in "Marimbamania" 2014-15: Ann Arbor's folk music duo, Gemini, in a program called, "The Best in Each of Us" 2013-14: Michigan Opera Theater, performing, "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" 2012-13: Cincinatti-based group, Madcap Puppets, perfoming, "The Cinderella Files"
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS OF BRIDGMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
In 2013-14, the BPS Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts programs went through curriculum adoption. At the end of this process, the school board approved the purchase of 25 xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels. These instruments have greatly enhanced our curriculum, as we now enjoy many opportunities to perform not only rhythms but also melodies and harmonies on instruments. We often sing songs and create our own accompaniments on the aforementioned instruments of the Orff ensemble. They may also be combined in ensembles with recorders and various rhythm instruments. We are grateful to our dedicated school board members for their support of the music programs at BPS!