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As seen in the Independent Press- Franklin School in Summit Presents ‘Elementary Bach’ in the Classroom

 

Instead of ‘Baby Bach,’ Franklin School in Summit has implemented a kind of ‘Elementary Bach’ in the classroom with help from an SEF grant: ‘Classical Music in the Classroom.’ Pictured is Charlotte Whitcher, third grader at Franklin School in Summit. (courtesy photo)Independent Press 

Instead of “Baby Bach,” Franklin School in Summit has implemented a kind of “Elementary Bach” in the classroom with help from an SEF grant: “Classical Music in the Classroom.”
This program is the brainchild of Susan Yarad, a parent, and third grade teacher, Kate Polles. Their initiative has brought classical music to every classroom at Franklin School.
A set of three CDs from Philips Classics Production-Bach for Breakfast, More Mozart for Your Mind, and Debussy for Daydreaming–was supplied to each classroom. So far it has gotten overwhelmingly good reviews from students, teachers and parents.
Yarad elaborates about the objective of the program: “Here in Summit our students have access not only to school music classes, but many also participate in after school music lessons and programs. This initiative to bring classical music into the classroom provides the last piece of the puzzle by making the classical genre familiar to all while teaching our children to appreciate professionally recorded works. It also benefits students by promoting creativity and cognitive function; assisting teachers with classroom management; and creating a future generation of classical audiences.”
Jen Schwarzenbek, first grade teacher at Franklin, says, “My class and I love the classical music CDs. I play them all day long. I find that it calms the kids and helps them focus on assignments. When I don’t have the music on they usually ask for it. My class loves Bach for Breakfast. I find it amazing that they can already tell the composers apart!”
Lori Alfone’s third grade class agrees. “We enjoy implementing the program every day, mostly to begin our mornings. My class “DJs” enjoy having the special job of facilitating the music daily. I find it helps calm our moods and stress levels. Thank you very much to SEF for providing us with the gift of music.”
Charlotte Whitcher, a student of Alfone, adds, “I like listening to the instruments. Sometimes it gets noisy in class. Then I ask to turn on the music and it gets quieter and I can focus better. Mrs. Alfone has made me and Jack the DJs! It’s a good job.”
Parents are also on board to continue the classical music initiative at home. A parent of third and fifth graders explains, “We purchased all of the CDs for the house. The Bach CD in particular has really helped in concentration when doing homework and has been a calming presence amid the hectic lives we live. Thank you so much to SEF for implementing this program!”
To find out more about SEF, visit www.sefnj.org.
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