This summer, Granville CSD students have the exciting opportunity to participate in an innovative trial program offering free music lessons at Granville Jr/Sr High School. Launched by Elementary Music Director Ms. Coons and Jr/Sr High Music Director Ms. Stout, their initiative received district approval through their collaborative efforts.
Each week, 22 students in grades five and up are treated to private lessons with either Ms. Stout or Ms. Coons. The participants have varied goals: some are picking up an instrument for the first time, others are exploring a secondary instrument with hopes of joining the Jr/Sr Jazz Band, and others are continuing their band instruction from the school year.
As Granville CSD parent Jeff Anderson notes, “It’s an amazing opportunity,” highlighting the enthusiasm of his children, one of whom said, “I’ve been learning to play jazz, and it’s really great!” Ninth Grader Scott Redcross also shared his experience, stating, “I’ve gone from never playing drums before to being able to read sheet music in just a few lessons. It’s crazy!”
Addressing the significance of the program, Ms. Stout remarked, “Music lessons are expensive and hard to come by in the Granville area. Learning loss occurs in music just like any other subject. We wanted to provide an accessible option for families who wished to continue their music education throughout the summer.” The program provides instruments at no cost, and while families need to transport their children to the lessons, the education itself is free.
At the conclusion of this trial run, Ms. Stout and Ms. Coons will review the program's progress with Superintendent McGurl. Based on the evaluation, the district may decide to renew the program for the summer of 2025, aiming to accommodate even more students.
Ms. Coons expressed her satisfaction with the program’s success, saying “We have a full schedule and are so pleased to see students exploring new instruments and advancing their skills, like the drum kit, which isn’t one of the easiest instruments to learn.
The Granville School District extends its gratitude to Ms. Coons and Ms. Stout for their dedication and creativity in providing such an exceptional and accessible music education experience for Granville students.
For more free summer resources at Granville CSD and upcoming events, see this blog post.
To stay current with Granville CSD, please download the free district App. We’ll be using the app more and more in the school year ahead.
Picture: From left to right, student Jeff Andersen, Ms. Stout, Ms. Coons and student Scott Redcross (front)