May 2023
In Fall of 2022, Ms. Wimmers, the Alden Place & Elm Drive Elementary school music teacher applied for a Bright Ideas Grant to purchase 35 ukuleles in various colors along with felt picks, extra strings, colored chord dots and a method book. MEF was delighted to fund this grant and all of the supplies were purchased.
Approximately 230 second through fifth grade students began learning on the ukuleles throughout the 2022-2023 school year, and the instruments can be used for years to come.
When asked about the benefits of this new program, Ms. Wimmers said, “The project has granted students access to an instrument that they can continue to learn and find joy from for the rest of their lives. Students who may not be able to or do not have a desire to participate in band can be taught the skills needed to be musical in other ways. The shared experience of playing the ukulele promotes a sense of community between grade levels and will allow students easily tangible and audible musical growth throughout elementary school.”