D300 Foundation, Target Stores Fund Kindergarten Music Grant

CARPENTERSVILLE — The D300 Foundation would like to thank both Target Stores and the Rhodes Foundation for helping us fund the first of its kind Kindergarten Music Grant. 

This generous funding from Target allows the Foundation to bring all the kindergarten students from across the district in April, to Hampshire High School to experience, Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s — Around the World with Percussion.  This exciting event is sure to inspire our young future musicians all over the district. 

The Foundation also thanks Beth Wood — District 300 Music Team Leader / Educator and Jennifer Troy — Music Educator, along with Mr. Chuck Bumbales, Hampshire High School Principal, for all their hard work.  This event was a huge undertaking, but Beth and Jennifer did an outstanding job of organizing the whole event.

Beth Wood, Carpentersville Middle School Orchestra Teacher said, “I am really excited to present this opportunity to all of the Kindergarteners in D300! I think this will be an amazing experience that they will enjoy and will love being a part of.”

Wood goes on to say, “Every musical experience that we can give students helps them develop the connections in their brain as well as social, emotional, and personal connections to the music and to others.  Numerous studies have proven how involvement in music carries over into every part of a student’s life and academic successes. The Elgin Symphony Orchestra provides outstanding experiences through their Bach to School Ensembles.”

Wendy Evans, Education and Community Outreach Manager, describes the program Around the World with Percussion.

Evans said, “The ESO Percussion Ensemble spins the globe and visits countries around the world.  They show off the incredible variety of instruments that make up the percussion family and introduce students to characteristic music of the countries they visit. The students will be able to interact with a Q & A session, as well as clapping and moving to the rhythms.”

For more information, please call (847) 888-4000 or visit the ESO’s website at: www.elginsymphony.org

The D300 Foundation’s mission is to enhance, enrich and extend learning opportunities in all D300 schools. Since its founding in 2002, it has raised nearly one half million dollars for District 300 schools and its students.  The Foundation focuses on four areas of impact:  Literacy, Performing and Fine Arts, Science and Technology and Student Leadership.

Money for the Foundation is raised through corporate partnerships, private donations and Foundation events.

For more information about the Foundation and past educational project grants, please visit the website at: www.d300foundation.org.