BRIDGEPORT – Future musicians at Bridgeport Elementary got an up-close look at the fun and hard-earned rewards of the band program when fourth graders learned about their opportunity to join next school year.
The marching band got a grand introduction when they played their way into the elementary gym where the fourth graders were assembled. Band Director Kyle Turley led the high school musicians in a series of songs, adding that the elementary kiddos could be up there playing should they decide to join fifth grade band.
Turley added instrument fittings are April 7 and April 9, but should students reconsider during the summer they can still join by contacting CA House Music. The St. Clairsville-based instrument store is a long-time partner of the district in spreading a love of music.
During his presentation, Turley welcomed Fawn Quick, road representative from CA House. She said it is always a treat to visit the home of the Bulldogs.
“It’s a very, very positive relationship,” she said, adding support of the arts is uplifting and the educators are happy to see their students stretch their wings.
“I’ve seen a lot more encouragement from the staff,” she said. “The kids really love the teachers that they have here.”
Quick presented instruments and gave some of the students a chance to play and get a feel for what they might do as part of the band. She said music can be a lifelong pursuit and a spark for creativity.
“Band is a great thing. It’ll change your life.”
Turley knows the power of an early introduction to music. After the presentation he recalled his family and teachers fostered his love of the craft. Turley still remembers his time in elementary school, which featured visits from the band director and marching band. Now he is proud to be on the teaching side.
“That’s really where the love started.”
He added the band is a key part of sporting events and pep rallies as they raise school spirit. Band members can also still be student athletes on the sports teams.
Turley said the kiddos’ enthusiasm was “lighting up the room” when they saw the band members march in. The fourth graders demonstrated their knowledge of different types of instruments when Turley quizzed them. He sees potential in the up-and-coming students and commended elementary school music teacher Ashley Krieger for laying the groundwork.
He added Bridgeport Schools is a district that values the arts.
“We have a great administration here. They have been nothing but supportive with anything that I’ve needed or Ms. Krieger’s needed, we’re able to make things happen and making the arts grow here at Bridgeport is amazing.”
Currently, Turley is exploring new additions including a possible piano class
“Great things are coming to Bridgeport.”
Elementary School Principal Kamaron Sabinski said Turley and Krieger demonstrated great teamwork in sparking that interest in students as they prepare for middle school and high school. Sabinski said it was inspiring for the fourth graders to see the opportunities that await them in high school and the pride the band students have in their work.
“Mr. Turley puts a great amount of time and effort into planning this presentation for the students,” she said. “This presentation started occurring last year, and it is an exciting event for our fourth graders.”
Many of last year’s fourth graders are now members of the fifth-grade band.
“It is also extremely exciting for all of us staff, getting to see our students that we had in elementary school grown, matured and doing such an amazing job with the band.”
Fourth grade teacher Kelli Hilt loves seeing her students’ progress as they learn about the options open to them as Bulldogs.
“It’s awesome because it’s increasing our band numbers. A lot of them aren’t exposed to music,” she said. “Many of them think you can’t play sports and be in the band too, but they find out that they can.”
Krieger enjoys opening the students’ minds.
“We start learning about the different instruments and instrument families as young as kindergarten,” she said, adding that music is a component of life. “Music is the universal language. It really does bring different peoples, different cultures together.”
Krieger said the fourth graders will play their recorders at the Spring concert at 7 p.m. May 12.
