SBCO grants help K-8 music program thrive

In an effort to revitalize its music program, Coronado K-8 School turned to SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO) for much needed funding. To supplement the smaller instruments purchased by the district, SBCO provided the money required to purchase a vibraphone and a marimba. These instruments will expand the music repertoire of the school’s indoor drumline and percussion program. For each of the next 20 years, 50 students in grades six through eight will have access to these instruments.

According to J. Michael Shaheen, director of the school’s band and percussion program, “We are very grateful for your support…a marimba and vibraphone are essential instruments for any successful percussion ensemble. The students and I are excited for these additions as we begin the inaugural 2019 Indoor Drumline and Percussion program. Thank you once again for your generosity.”

The school’s vocal music department requested funds to purchase 20 ukuleles to promote music reading and theory. While guitars, along with recorders, are typically used with vocal music instruction, the neck of a ukulele better fits the smaller hands of younger students. Fifty students in grades three through eight will benefit from the purchase of these instruments and carrying cases.

Through these two grants, SBCO provided Coronado K-8 music program with $10,040 in funding.