Scullen Middle School receives dual grants to elevate music education

Matthew White and Daryl Silberman, the orchestra directors at Scullen Middle School in Indian Prairie School District 204, have been awarded two significant grants to enrich the school’s music program. The grants, totaling over $7,800, will provide innovative resources and opportunities for students to explore diverse musical styles and techniques.

The first grant, awarded by the JCS Fund through the DuPage Foundation, amounts to $6,915. This funding will be used to purchase an electric violin, viola, and cello, which will add a dynamic new dimension to the orchestra’s performances. Additionally, the grant will support a guest artist masterclass and a side-by-side performance with students. The guest artist, specializing in electric instruments, will conduct a clinic and ultimately perform with Scullen’s alternative styles ensemble, Soundwave, at the spring concert.

The second grant, a $950 award from the IEA Foundation (IEA Score Grant), will be used to purchase a Shruti box and other materials necessary for exploring Carnatic music—a classical music tradition from India. This grant will also fund guest artist visits from local gurus who will help teach the newly formed Carnatic orchestra ensemble, named Saraswati. This ensemble is the first of its kind in District 204. The knowledge gained from this initiative will be shared with other music educators within the district and across the state, paving the way for similar ensembles to be established.

“I am incredibly grateful to both the JCS Fund and the IEA Foundation for their support,” said Mr. White. “These grants will allow our students to broaden their musical horizons and gain a deeper understanding of both modern and traditional music forms. We’re excited to see how these new opportunities will enhance our orchestra program and inspire our students.”

The Scullen Middle School orchestra program continues to grow and innovate, providing students with unique opportunities to develop their musical skills and appreciation. The support from these grants underscores the importance of music education and its impact on the community.

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