Surprise! Burnsville Police Officer Floors Music Teacher with $35,000 in New Instruments

Ann Bakken has been a music teacher for 23 years – the last 20 at Burnsville’s Nicollet Middle School. Those who know her best say she has an unrelenting passion for building creativity, confidence and focus in students through music.

This past fall, Burnsville School Resources Officer Beverly Price had a conversation with Bakken, something the two say is an almost daily occurrence, to talk about school, the music program and music in general.

During this conversation, Price learned that Bakken was worried she would not be able to provide enough instruments to her students for the upcoming school year. "Out of the three years I’ve been here (as a school resources officer), I’ve never seen Ann in this kind of a discouraged place," said Price in a statement.

"Part of that was because she had so many students, and not enough instruments to put in their hands."

Price decided she wanted to help, and without Bakken’s knowledge, reached out to the Barry Manilow Foundation’s "Manilow Music Project," whose mission is to "bring music back to schools," according to a news release.

"I emailed (the Manilow Music Project) and said 'I’m a police officer at Nicollet Middle School, and I have a teacher who is so compassionate, and so willing to do anything to make sure that the music program continues,'" said Price. "I asked them, 'Can you help us?' And they said yes."

Through the foundation and their partners at Yamaha, Price surprised Bakken with $35,000 in new instruments after the Nicollet Middle School 8th-grade band concert on Dec. 1. In total, Bakken and the music program received two flutes, four trumpets, six clarinets and three French horns – every instrument on Bakken’s wish list.

"I am so grateful and overjoyed, and I am so excited for the students to play on these instruments," said Bakken.

"I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for this amazing woman (Price) who has really made in impact on our school. She has built amazing relationships with our students, parents and teachers. She keeps us safe every single day, but she also truly cares about our kids. I am so thankful for her. She has made such a difference."

Image via City of Burnsville