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KEYSTONE CENTRAL
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570-893-4900 • kcsd. k12. pa. us
More Than Music: Foundation Grant Purchases Drums To Help Build Skills At Robb Elementary
Through a grant from the Keystone Central Foundation, students at Robb Elementary School have the chance to participate in a unique community building experience- drum circles. A Teacher Mini-Grant, offered to staff throughout KCSD, enabled Robb Elementary to purchase two Djembe drums, three Tubano drum sets, and two Tubano drums. The drums were ordered in the fall by KCF, according to foundation Director Melissa Bottorf, and were recently shipped to the elementary school.
Bottorf and members of the foundation’ s board recently had the opportunity to see the drums in action. Students in various grade levels- including second and fourth grade- in Teresa Poole’ s class were excited for the drum circle during their regular music classes. Poole, a music teacher at Robb, submitted the application for the mini-grant. In a summary for the grant application, Poole noted the drums could contribute to community building.“ Students learn how to collaborate, work together, and understand the success of cooperation,” Poole wrote in the grant.“ Drumming builds listening skills, leaders, and an excitement for future learning.”
That excitement was clearly on display for members of the foundation, who watched as kids gasped and jumped up and down with joy when they first laid eyes on the drums- set up together in a circle in the music room. Prior to entering the circle, Poole reviewed the various drums and explained the foundation’ s role in purchasing them. One second grader excitedly said how much he liked the colorful patterns on the drums.
Bottorf and foundation members Bob Dwyer, Deb Smeltz, Leslie Smith, and Mary Coploff- along with KCSD administrators Superintendent Dr. Francis Redmon and Robb Principal Tyler Barth- had the chance to join in the fun during the visit. Poole walked the students through activities, like listening and repeating drum patterns.
In Poole’ s application, it was noted the drum circle would provide a unique learning opportunity for the kids at Robb.“ The project is unique, in that it provides students with opportunities to be creative and imaginative through exploring new ways to perform on the drums and create new sounds,” she wrote.“ Students will learn that drumming is a lifelong skill that can be applied to social emotional learning, communication, self expression, empathy, creativity, and making decisions." Students also have the opportunity to continue enhancing their drumming skills through their middle and high school careers. Poole told the foundation in the application that the project offers a way to aid students in emotional regulation, critical thinking, and exploring new ideas.“ Music is a universal language. Students will be able to communicate in society with the support of this project,” she concluded.“ At Robb, every student is seen, heard, and loved. With this project, students will work together to be seen, heard, and loved in a positive and fun way.”
Bottorf said the foundation was happy to provide this new opportunity for students. Previously, Robb was able to purchase ukuleles through a foundation grant.“ It’ s more than just music. It’ s adding life skills and that’ s a focus in the district and for the foundation,” she said.“ It really helps the kids focus, builds teamwork, and many other skills.”
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