Ed Downs Elementary was recently awarded grant funding by Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) to purchase educational materials that will help support the delivery of high quality music education to over 480 students.
“The music purchased will help to engage the creative minds of the artistic students at Ed Downs. Statistics show that through music, students excel in Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies in an enjoyable manner,” said Fine Arts Director Berta Guerra.
Guerra explained that some of the music purchased through the grant would be performed at the annual Christmas Program, entitled “A Candy Cane Christmas” scheduled at the campus on Tuesday, December 17, as follows:
- Pre-Kinder (AM), kinder, first and second grades – 9:00 AM
- Pre-Kinder (PM), third, fourth and fifth grades – 1:30 PM
TMEA has recently awarded nearly $500,000 in grant funding to elementary music programs across the state. Over 600 elementary music programs will be purchasing new music instruments, music, technology, and other educational supplies to help them deliver high quality music education to students in grades K-5.
“It’s incredible to have the opportunity to support these most valuable educators who offer all elementary music students the foundation for excellence in music education, a sense of belonging, and a positive and safe environment to express themselves,” said TMEA President Joe Weir.
TMEA completed the entire grant application process in two months so that teachers could use the funds to purchase instruments and other educational supplies before year’s end. This quick distribution means that more than 350,000 students will soon be learning new music, playing new instruments, increasing their proficiency with the use of music technology in the classroom, and much more.
TMEA Executive Director Robert Floyd explained that the association’s Executive Board allocated $500,000 in grant funding because they want to support students who are beginning their lifelong love of and participation in music.
Floyd emphasized that music teachers who have little to no budget often use their own funds to purchase supplies because they recognize how important music education is in the lives of their students. “This funding of elementary music programs comes at a time when research is boldly underscoring the value of high quality arts education in schools,” he said.
He added, “Multiple studies have shown us that music education prepares students to learn, facilitates academic achievement, and helps them develop creative capacities for lifelong success.”
Texas Music Educators Association is a professional association for music educators from kindergarten through college. With over 15,000 members, TMEA offers professional development opportunities to educators, sustains public support for music in schools, and encourages quality musical experiences for all students.
Ed Downs Elementary students and Fine Arts Director Berta Guerra proudly display materials designed to provide a high quality music education to over 480 students. The new materials were purchased through grant funding from the Texas Music Educators Association.