Music Education in Rural Schools

I have been working for 10 years to establish a standard knowledge level in Nebraska for area percussionists. I have been volunteering at numerous schools, given clinics, taught private (paid and unpaid) lessons, and even joined the Nebraska Percussive Arts Society in order to network across Nebraska with other percussion educators who share my goals. The main intervention needed for the students across the state is exposure and technical reinforcement. By planning a tour around the state and employing the area percussionists as well as specialists percussionists, the students will gain a foundational knowledge level. This knowledge, if reinforced (with multiple tours and clinics across the state), will be perpetually taught to the younger students and will correct the deficiencies limiting these students possibilities in pursuing music. Any grant money would directly go toward equipment needed for the tours, educational material for each school to aid in the students learning, and to pay for touring expenses. The students I have helped have become very successful. Many of my students have been selected for All-State performers or as alternates. I have so many students who are able to pursue their dreams in music because of the education I have been able to provide, supplement, or expose them to. I am very proud to be able to say I have made a difference, but I feel it is not enough. I, and the percussion instructors around the state, need the opportunity to educate more of the percussion students in Nebraska. There are literally thousands of students across Nebraska who will never be able to pursue their dreams of music unless they can be offered the education to prepare them for the future they deserve.