After School Program Teaches Students How To Play Bluegrass Instruments
By: Kayla Moody
Updated: December 5, 2012
As many schools across the nation try to find ways to put money back into their pockets -- some have dropped their music programs to save money. But an Ohio County school did just the opposite.
Horse Branch Elementary School started an after school music program around 10 years ago that teaches children how to play bluegrass instruments. Since its birth, the program has grown and spread to other Ohio County Schools.
Part of the goal is to keep the area's bluegrass roots alive. Horse Branch is a short drive from the quaint town of Rosine where Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, was born. The program is funded by donations and ran by volunteers.
"It's just so heart warming to know that you're touching all these lives," says program coordinator and instructor Wanda Saling. "It does break my heart to see that these other places are taking music out, because when a child is not successful in something they can fall back on music and it can calm the spirit."
Students in grades 3 to 12 can participate in the program at Horse Branch, Beaver Dam and Western Elementary schools. They meet for a half hour every week to practice their instruments.
Click the above video to hear from students who participate in the program, as well sounds and scenes typical to the group's weekly practice.
If you would like to volunteer as an instructor or donate money to the program, contact Horse Branch Elementary School.
Horse Branch Elementary School started an after school music program around 10 years ago that teaches children how to play bluegrass instruments. Since its birth, the program has grown and spread to other Ohio County Schools.
Part of the goal is to keep the area's bluegrass roots alive. Horse Branch is a short drive from the quaint town of Rosine where Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, was born. The program is funded by donations and ran by volunteers.
"It's just so heart warming to know that you're touching all these lives," says program coordinator and instructor Wanda Saling. "It does break my heart to see that these other places are taking music out, because when a child is not successful in something they can fall back on music and it can calm the spirit."
Students in grades 3 to 12 can participate in the program at Horse Branch, Beaver Dam and Western Elementary schools. They meet for a half hour every week to practice their instruments.
Click the above video to hear from students who participate in the program, as well sounds and scenes typical to the group's weekly practice.
If you would like to volunteer as an instructor or donate money to the program, contact Horse Branch Elementary School.
