Jamesburg school administrators looking for donations
By Davy James
JAMESBURG The Jamesburg School District is looking to expand its music program, and is hoping the spirit of giving will help accomplish that goal.
School administrators are looking for donations to obtain a piano for the John F. Kennedy Elementary School so it can start a student chorus. The piano would be used as part of the school’s music curriculum, in addition to allowing the school to start an extracurricular choral club, under the instruction of music teacher Stacey Larkins.
”The piano is the main instrument in any musical program,” said Superintendent of Schools Gail Verona. “We can’t start a student chorus until we have one, it would allow us to expand our program in many ways.”
The school already has an instrumental concert band, but administrators believe their students would be better prepared for the future if they could start a choral program as well.
”Monroe High School has an outstanding music program with choral and instrumental groups,” Dr. Verona said. “As of now our students interested in participating in the choral group when they get to high school are at a disadvantage; we want them to be prepared for that.”
In addition to starting a choral group, the school also believes a piano would aid the instrumental program, as well.
”The piano would be great for our instrumental band,” Ms. Larkins said. “It would allow us to accompany the musical selections and also to use it in demonstrations.”
School officials believe the timing is right for the choral program, as the interest level in the community is high.
”The attendance at our holiday concert was standing-room only,” Dr. Verona said. “Our community is very supportive of the music program at our schools.”
Staff at the school also believe the lack of a choral program shuts out some students from participating in the musical experience.
”There are some students who don’t want to play instruments, but love to sing,” Dr. Verona said. “If we could expand their experience at the school to vocal, it would allow the kids to sing and get the benefits that come with the group setting.”
The choral group would allow the students to work in a team environment, teaching them to set goals and then work together toward achieving those goals, according to school officials.
”All of the qualities they learn in the music program translate into becoming a good student,” Dr. Verona said. “They learn that to become good at something you need to practice, which is a valuable life lesson that transcends into all areas.”
The school is hoping for cash donations to purchase a new piano, or would welcome the donation of a used piano. Anyone interested in donating should contact Dr. Verona at 732-521-0303.

