“Bravo Waterbury, an intensive, unconventional music program overseen by the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra at Children’s Community School, started its second year this fall,” writes Brynn Mandel in Monday’s (11/10) Republican-American (Waterbury, Connecticut; subscription required). “It’s already expanding, with lessons commencing recently at the newly opened Brass City Charter School. What started with 35 students grew to about 165 students this year…. In October, the WSO announced a $1 million gift would fund the continuation and expansion of the program. Eventually, they hope to spread Bravo’s reach to sites across the city…. Dawn Krzykowski’s daughter Alana Johnson, 8, started with the bucket band last year. Alana has since progressed to trumpet, and most recently, started the cello. Krzykowski, of Waterbury, said … ‘Two days ago, I pick her up and she jumps in the car and she says, “I know what I want for Christmas. I want a cello.” She loves the program, she loves learning about the music.’ … Children’s Community School Principal Ellen Lynch said most teachers noticed effects from students’ participation in Bravo seemed to carry over into other areas…. Lynch called the decision to pilot the program at Children’s Community School ‘one of the best agreements we’ve made’ in the school’s nearly half-century.”
Posted November 18, 2013
