Story by The Journal
HEDGESVILLE — The Friends of Music has donated two xylophones to Back Creek Valley Elementary School in Hedgesville.
Music teacher Stephanie Sigler requested the instruments for her pre-K through second grade classroom.
“These instruments will unlock melodic exploration not otherwise possible at these grade levels,” said Siegler. “Having an opportunity to play these instruments at an early age will hopefully create a desire to continue on through the upper grade levels. The students have gained a sense of accomplishment and are always eager to play them.”
The xylophones are Lyons Diatonic models; one is soprano and the other alto. They are valued at $300. Their donation is part of a Friends’ grant program to support music education in Berkeley and Jefferson County schools. The grants typically involve instruments and music supplies not covered by regular school budgets.
The Friends of Music organization is a Shepherdstown-based, non-profit group founded in 1999 to support and promote musical excellence. It supports the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, the only professional classical music orchestra in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and one of only three such orchestras in the state. For more information, go to www.friendswv.org.