Music in our Schools

Eric Heidbreder calls upon a student to answer a musical question in Megan Allen's fourth-grade class at Bainbridge Elementary on Thursday. Heidbreder, along with Jennifer Woodrum (left) and Melissa Snoza, are members of the Fifth House Ensemble and were at the school as part of Music in Our Schools Month, taking place throughout March. The excitement of the kids was obvious, with hands darting up when questions were asked in between presentations that the volunteers had prepared. One such presentation saw Heidbreder playing the theme from "Jaws" (shockingly recognized by a third-grade boy without hesitation) in its traditional register: low and ominous. Then it was played in a higher note and with a different rhythm, with the volunteers and the students addressing how the same song can sound scary or happy depending on how it is played. The volunteers also visited Roachdale Elementary on Monday, while members of the Indiana State University Percussion Ensemble are slated to visit Roachdale Elementary on March 31 as part of the program.

Bainbridge Elementary fourth-grader Braedin Patterson participates in Music in Our Schools month, raising his hand to answer questions about how music affects students' lives and the different ways in which music can be interpreted.

Eric Heidbreder of the Fifth House Ensemble of Chicago, asks for volunteers from a group of third-grade students at Bainbridge Elementary as part of Music in Our Schools Month. Heidbreder, a bassoonist, was one of three members visiting the school Thursday morning to introduce instruments and basic ideas behind music such as, why the theme from "Jaws" sounds so scary. First played low and slow on the bassoon, then played liltingly and in a higher note on the flute, the students began to pinpoint how emotions and thoughts can be connected to diifferent variations of music. Students were asked to volunteer to help tell the story of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears wherein four students picked from a series of instruments that make sounds the kids thought matched the personalities of each character. Then, as members of the Fifth House Ensemble read the story, each student made noise with their instrument to help accentuate the tale. The program aims to utilize March as a means to bring greater understanding and interest in musical arts for youngsters. Two more sessions have been scheduled for North Putnam Schools this month, taking place on March 16 and 31 at Roachdale Elementary.