Music education at Bennington South Middle School has reached a new pitch thanks to a Zimbabwe-style bass marimba, funded through a Project One-Time grant. Music teacher Angie Nabower seized this unique opportunity to add this instrument into her 6-8th grade general music curriculum and expand her extra-curricular marimba ensembles.
With Zimbabwe-Style Marimba bands becoming a staple in schools across the Pacific Northwest, Nabower envisions establishing a strong marimba presence within Bennington. The added marimba not only enhances the music program but also opens the door for students to join a non-traditional music ensemble, fostering essential soft skills and offering enriching experiences.
“The funds were used to purchase a bass marimba for the General Music program at BSMS,” Nabower explained. “With the addition of this instrument, we’ve been able to focus on important skills like teamwork, communication, cooperation, and adaptability. Music participation contributes to improved creativity and confidence, better mental health, and emotional stability for our students.”
Impact Highlights:
- Expansion of extra-curricular Marimba Ensembles, allowing more students to participate
- Development of soft skills like teamwork, communication, and adaptability
- Fostering creativity, confidence, and emotional well-being through music
- Engagement of 140-240 students annually in unique and enriching music experiences
“I am very thankful to the foundation for their support. Without it, we would never have been able to make this dream a reality,” said Nabower, “Music education is so important—it inspires creativity, builds confidence, and contributes to better mental health for our students.”
Support more creative, impactful tools like this with a donation to our BlueNited Student Success programs ➤
