TESTIMONIALS
It was wonderful to see the kids getting excited and involved in the activities. It really helped improve their self-esteem. Having two adults in the room made a great difference in the kids’ learning. I know they learned many skills I would not have taught them otherwise, and they still talk about the project with enthusiasm.
-Kim Bishop, 2nd grade teacher, Cheltenham Elementary
Harmony Project allows students to see academics in a fresh way. New adults come into the classroom, and these additional teachers, who are also artists, add texture to the learning experience. My poetry unit was twice as effective with a percussionist from Harmony Project.
-Culum Walsh, Teacher, Denver Center for International Studies
For the past several years, my class and I have participated in the Harmony Project. What a valuable experience! The oral language development, the team work, the actual experience itself, and sharing are so educational and fun! Everyone involved benefits from the experience, even the audience that gets to observe the ‘demonstration of learning’ at the end of the session!
-Elaine Madera, Kindergarten Teacher, Remington Elementary
Initially, I was a bit apprehensive about giving up instructional time for the Arts since we are all under pressure to increase test scores. After the first year, I am now convinced that The Harmony Project, which infuses the standards as part of the arts instruction, will only help to raise student achievement.
-Claudia Beck, Principal, Cheltenham Elementary
Probably my favorite unit of teaching last year was a unit that I taught in geography with an artist from the Harmony Project. As part of the class, we simulated a climb up Everest. Harmony brought in an actor and the kids not only reenacted the climb, they also took roles as the physical features, like rocks and trees that they encountered as they climbed the mountain. The guest artist was fabulous to work with and the kids loved the time with him. The Harmony Project made my classroom a much more exciting and interactive place to be. I would love to do it again, and again, and again…
-Jennifer Portillo, Teacher, Denver Center for International Studies
Last year the Harmony Project brought a professional actor into my classroom to work with 50 seventh graders. The students learned about the history of theater, and experienced writing plays, improvisation, creating characters, and much more. Our time with Claire culminated in student-created and acted short plays about immigrant experiences. I teach these same students as 8th graders this year and continue to see evidence of their learning carry over from the Harmony Project theater experiences. My students increased their oral and written communication skills, developed an understanding of theme, tone, and the importance of precise diction. The experience boosted their confidence and competence as speakers and performers. Many thanks to the Harmony Project!
-Karen Fernandez, Teacher, Denver Center for International Studies
The Harmony experience has helped me revamp some of my teaching practices. I've learned the power of integrating the arts into our curriculum. Instead of a program coming in and "adopting" my class for a project, I felt-from our first meeting-that my input was valued and important. It was all of us working, learning and growing together.
I feel that the Harmony Project brought forth a wealth of hidden talents and skills in my students. We recently had a 4th grade "Poet Tea" where we read our original poems to an audience of parents, staff and students. During the reading, several students used Wende's ‘calming voice’ and ‘projecting’ skills. Earlier in the semester, one of my students wrote a speech and delivered it to a room of 100+ people at the DPS board meeting. Students learned to be brave and encourage each other. My kids have benefited immensely from the Harmony experience.
-Amber Billington, 4th Grade Teacher, Pioneer Charter School
To hear more from teachers, students and artists involved in with the Harmony Project please feel free to contact us. Harmony Project Contact Information
ARTS ADVOCACY QUOTES
"There is growing evidence that arts education improves student learning and thereby produces better citizens".
- David J. Skorton, President, Cornell University
"Music education can help spark a child's imagination or ignite a lifetime of passion. When you provide a child with new worlds to explore and challenges to tackle, the possibilities are endless. Music education should not be a privilege for a lucky few, it should be a part of every child's world of possiblity."
- Hillary Rodham Clinton
"Music Education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them - a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our natuion depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music."
- Gerald Ford, former U.S. President
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."
- Victor Hugo, poet
"Schools with higher music scores and participation tend to have higher reading, math, and writing scores."
- Timothy Brophy, University of Florida.
MENC
PMEA
Music Friends
Arts Ed
Support Music
Statistical Research
(supporting music education in the schools)
The above information was retrieved from
TWIN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL ELVERSON, PA.