Smithfield Middle School Chorus Receives Peter R. Marsh Foundation Grant for Third Consecutive Year
SMITHFIELD, Va. — The Smithfield Middle School Chorus has been awarded the Peter R. Marsh Foundation’s Middle School Music Grant for the third consecutive year, receiving $1,850 to support opportunities for students to share their music with senior citizens throughout the community.
With this year’s award, the Smithfield Middle School Chorus has received a total of $4,350 from the Peter R. Marsh Foundation through the Middle School Music Grant program.
The grant supports music programs that provide students with opportunities to perform for senior audiences and build meaningful connections across generations. As part of the grant requirements, the Smithfield Middle School Chorus will perform for senior community members on three occasions during the school year. At least two of the performances will take place off-site, with students also having opportunities to interact and converse with seniors following their performances.
In previous years, the Chorus has performed at local senior communities, including Windsor Grove Health and Rehabilitation Center and Williamsburg Landing, as well as participated in Christmas caroling at a Smithfield nursing home. Students have also performed for the community as part of the school's Veterans Celebration.
“Receiving the Peter R. Marsh Foundation Music Grant gives our Chorus students the opportunity to experience one of the most meaningful parts of music-making: sharing their music with others,” said Smithfield Middle School Chorus Teacher Rebecca Gardner. “Performing for senior audiences and then spending time talking and connecting with them allows our students to see that music is about much more than a concert. It's about building community and making a difference in someone else's day.”
Gardner said the continued support from the Foundation provides students with experiences that extend well beyond their musical development.
“I am incredibly grateful for the Foundation's support and for the possibility to help my students grow, not only as musicians, but also as compassionate members of their community,” Gardner said.
The Peter R. Marsh Foundation’s Middle School Music Grant program is designed to encourage middle school music programs to use music as a vehicle for connecting students with senior citizens. Through performances and personal interaction, students have the opportunity to develop confidence, compassion and perspective while bringing the joy of music to senior members of their communities.
The Smithfield Middle School Chorus’ participation in the program reflects Isle of Wight County Schools’ commitment to developing students’ unique gifts and talents while creating opportunities for them to lead, serve and make a positive impact in their communities.