Music in the Schools Foundation

or to the Ravenswood City School District (RCSD) Middle School music instructor whose strength is in band. Mentorship not only ensures success in the string program, but also but also helps ready students for participation in high school orchestras. The mentor can give attention to students needing extra help. We also offer an after-school strings class to enhance and reinforce learning. MIS provides after-school programs to students in grades 3-5. Our strings and international folk dancing classes provide additional performance opportunities. Our teachers offer inspiring instruction in a supportive environment, where students are encouraged to experience the joy of music while developing music literacy. A strong music program supports academic success and Music in the Schools Foundation works tirelessly to help students achieve that success. MIS was created in 1996 when the Ravenswood schools did not have music teachers. We piloted music classes in one elementary school and eventually were the only provider for the district. Because of this work, the district saw high value in music instruction, it began hiring full time music teachers. We shifted to support and enriched school programs with our after-school instruction in instrumental and dance which are not included in their elementary music classes. After-school transportation is one of our biggest challenges for students’ participation. Insufficient internet connection and lack of adult assistance at home were pandemic challenges. Because many students live chaotic lives, we strive to provide structure and to nurture young musicians as they discover new avenues of self-expression. Our summer programs have included strings, international folk dance, ukulele, and social justice through music. We look forward to starting a chorus and musical theater program in the future.