A Place to Make Music
Current Challenges
Despite their successes, there remain a number of challenges to empowering a sustainable and successful program. One of these challenges is a lack of adequate rehearsal space and secure storage facilities for the donated instruments. In order to rehearse their band, they currently use an outdoor rehearsal space, which is impossible in the rainy season, or they use the multi-purpose room which is continually used for other activities at the school. Not only would the proposed building provide a dry, quiet, secure learning environment for the students, it would also be accessible to all students in the surrounding area.
In addition, the national curriculum does not include music, and there are no teacher training programs. However, with the nation noticing the benefits of a music program in the public schools (due to the successes of the BLISS band), there are efforts to include music in the national curriculum, as well as the development of music teacher training and certification at the local university in Meru.
In addition, the national curriculum does not include music, and there are no teacher training programs. However, with the nation noticing the benefits of a music program in the public schools (due to the successes of the BLISS band), there are efforts to include music in the national curriculum, as well as the development of music teacher training and certification at the local university in Meru.
ENVISION A MUSIC CAMPUS
One central music building is needed to provide:
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BUILDING PLANS AWAITING FUNDING
The building is all planned out and ready to be built, we just need the funding! The Chelsea High School's music wing in Chelsea, Michigan were used as a starting point for building plans, with adjustments for the conditions and needs of the building site in Meru. An architect in Meru has developed plans for this rehearsal building with construction estimates in US dollars at $170,000. We chose this design due to its high windows-they let light in but make theft very difficult. The building will be a suitable rehearsal space for a 140 piece orchestra. Currently, any large ensemble rehearsals must take place outside which is especially difficult in the rainy season. Along with the size of the building, there will be many special features integrated in the process. Among these, the roof will direct rain runoff to a collection system to be reused for irrigation. Additionally, a smaller rehearsal space will be on the main floor for lessons and sectional rehearsals. A storage facility will be underneath the building, conveniently built on a hill for easy access to both floors. The storage areas will house the chairs and stands for all the students. A generous donor has already offered to provide the supplies once the building is built.
BonusCurrently, the music program has several resources including band instruments, violins, method books, and music stands. There are a number of companies from the U.S.A. who have offered gifts of instruments and rehearsal equipment for this program. For instance, once we have a place to house them, a generous donor has agreed to donate 12 string basses. This value totals nearly $100,000 and essentially doubles each dollar we receive from every music student in Michigan. The Meru Music Project will be so happy to be able to accept this generous when there is a safe and secure place to house valuable instruments.
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