Educare dispenses $48,000 in grants

By Tanner Kent
The Free Press

MANKATO May 18, 2008 01:19 am

— There’s a reason why Oboe Hero hasn’t hit the shelves yet.
Despite the importance of classical instruments, they simply don’t appeal to kids like a guitar.
Guitars are visceral and emotional and iconic. And for music teachers trying to convey the intrinsic value of music, they’re exciting.
“We want to help inspire kids to make music a part of their lives for the rest of their lives,” said Franklin Elementary music teacher Sarah Moreno. “We want to use this program to reach kids and get them involved.”
The program Moreno is talking about is a guitar curriculum for sixth-graders in Mankato Area Public Schools. Funding for the program was included among more than $48,000 in grants awarded to the school district by the Educare Foundation.
With the $5,685 grant, the district will purchase 60 guitars, cases and straps which are discounted through Howard Mock of Rhapsody Music in Mankato. Mock has helped coordinate similar programs in other area schools, including Maple River.
“We’ve had more and more students show interest in the guitar,” said Garfield music teacher Marti Ryan. “Now, 600-plus students can get their hands on one.”
The Educare Foundation is a nonprofit that raises money to provide services and programs to Mankato area schools that enhance learning opportunities.

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