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Schools

Robert Semple Elementary Embraces VOENA

A grant from Syar Foundation helps to bring more music to students.

Since October, students in the first through fifth grades at Robert Semple Elementary have been treated to the magic of singing.  Annabelle Marie, Founder and Director of VOENA has been meeting two full days a month with each grade level, to reveal the world of vocal music to young students.  This will continue on through the entire school year.

During a session with first graders, she enthralled them with her animated speech and unusual instruments.  All young eyes were upon her as she moved, stood or retrieved another visual aid.  What would she bring out next?  She introduced them to the concept of solfège (“do re mi…”), similar to what is taught at college levels.  She showed them how to ‘draw’ the music with their own bodies, further locking in the idea.   They used almost all of their senses to experience the weight of a melody.  This group of wiggling first graders became a rapt audience for more than 30 minutes, as they were transformed by the positive power of singing and rhythm. 

Annabelle expressed, “It is remarkable to teach this pilot program at Robert Semple and watch children who have never been exposed to music like this.  They start off very shy, self-conscious and fearful of peer opinion, only to get so excited to have the opportunity to play an instrument or sing what college kids sing.  They forget what is scary and just can't wait to try!  Another thing....when these children leave the music room, they are sighing, "Can't we have more music?"  I really love hearing they have fully engaged because these music classes mean so much to them.  My challenge is always to create, motivate, and engage them to want more so that they get "hungry" for music!  That hunger will help excite them to want to feed themselves even more music.  I feel it is whole child learning to have music in their lives.”

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It is firmly established that for children, the arts contribute greatly to improving the skills needed for success in other academic areas.  Unfortunately, art and music have been the first programs to be reduced or cut entirely during these economic times, prompting more creative forms of volunteerism and funding in order to save them. 

Grant writer and Robert Semple parent, Adriene Rockwell was involved in securing this wonderful opportunity for Robert Semple, and worked with the Syar Foundation, which became a partner also supporting this goal.  Although Syar had the opportunity to fund VOENA's trip to the London Olympics,  the Foundation opted to support a program which would have a positive impact on the whole community.  They have made the grant process very comfortable and smooth for Robert Semple Elementary.

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With the help of such an avid partner, VOENA in the Schools has begun to introduce their musical programs into the curriculum, and started with Robert Semple Elementary as the model school.  This enables many children to experience this easily, regularly and at no cost to the students.  Through a partnership with the Benicia Unified School District, the goal over the next five years is to expand the program into each elementary school, Benicia Middle School and eventually, Benicia High School.  

An excerpt from the Robert Semple’s grant proposal says it best.   “While VOENA has traditionally provided music education outside of the schools, we support music educators who have observed that student involvement in school music has a positive impact on other areas of their lives. These educators tell us that musical involvement improves a student's self-discipline, dexterity, coordination, self-esteem, cognitive thinking skills, listening skills, creative abilities and personal expression.  Studies also indicate that because music and art utilizes both sides of the brain, students of all ages involved in performing or visual arts also excel in other academic areas such as reading and mathematics.”

Robert Semple is very proud to take part in such a unique program, and hopes their success will allow it to grow at the other schools in the district.  This is a shining example of how teachers, families, the school district and the business community work together so seamlessly to enhance the life of a child; such a simple gift with profound benefits as students move through their years.

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