New Music Program for Small Alternative School

Yampa Valley High School

Streamboat Springs, CO

Amount Requested: $2,415

Donation Amount: $240

Our AEC can't provide musical electives, which is a demand of over a third of our students. Learning how to play an instrument could also be therapeutic for our students with mental health issues.

We serve high school students who have selected our school for a smaller and more relevant learning environment. Several experience severe mental health challenges. Unfortunately, our smaller setting restricts our access to much sought-after opportunities, such as music. Our students learn best by engaging in hands-on activities, and we would love to offer musical instruments as well as instruction from a community expert. The piano teacher's quality one-on-one instruction will motivate, build resilience, and teach a lifelong skill. Additionally, students may earn credit for this music instruction, further building their pathway toward graduation through this special elective. We currently have a piano that needs repair, and we would like to add two electronic keyboards to the collection. With piano repair ($375), keyboard purchases ($440), and instruction ($200/week for 8 weeks), we could use $2,415. After lessons are complete, students will be more autonomous and can practice with sheet music. Any requests for additional lessons can be funded by other generous contributions in the future.