A New Year's Message from the President |
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It always seems that this time of year is full of music: classic winter songs and songs from various holidays, all culminating in a crescendo of Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve. I ran into my elementary school music teacher at my niece's winter choir concert, and the memory of her conducting us through "American Pop" came flooding back.
Although I didn't have the opportunity to learn an instrument at elementary school like our kids do, having a foundation in choral music has made me understand and appreciate music - and that has brought so much joy to my life. It's also commonly known that music is integral to the development of many crucial areas of the brain. And for our kids now, it's especially important. I recently read an article about how kids dealing with the trauma of the pandemic are finding that music classes are a place where they can process and release strong feelings.
Music also has a connection to the establishment of the Moraga Education Foundation. It was the prospect of music and art classes being cut that motivated parents 40 years ago to start MEF. That first year, they raised $50,000 through a phone-a-thon and saved those programs. We have those parents and 40 years of parents after them to thank for the fact that our kids have access to such incredible music programs today, and now it's our turn to make sure these programs continue to stay strong.
Your donations to MEF make music programs possible in our schools. At elementary schools, your MEF donations fund credentialed music teachers for students TK-5th grade. At JM, your MEF donations fund music and band classes. At Campo, your MEF donations fund department grants for Choral and Instrumental Music, making it possible for teachers to pay for a choral accompanist, instrumental coaches, sheet music, new instruments, instrument repair, the rights to the music for the Spring Musical, and so much more.
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I can't imagine our schools without the music programs our children enjoy. Receiving exposure to music in school means different things to different kids: it could be an emotional outlet, a chance to exercise a different part of their brain, an opportunity to try an instrument, or even the lighting of a spark that lasts a lifetime. One thing is sure, music programs impact every student, every day. Thank you to all of you who support music by donating to MEF.
The lyrics of the song Auld Lang Syne talk of reminiscing about fond memories from old times. As I look back on my years as a parent in Moraga, I remember my son's kindergarten class singing "I Think You're Beautiful" and bringing us all to tears, his (ear-splitting) recorder concert, him performing on the drums together with the JM Band and Campo Instrumentalists at the end of 5th grade, my daughter diligently learning the recorder over zoom and then learning the cello and eagerly lugging it to and from school, and my son performing at the Winter Wassail concert with the entire Campo Choir. Each of these memories is such a gift, and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunities my kids have had at Moraga public schools. As we enter 2022, I am looking forward to seeing my son in his first Campo Spring Musical and watching my daughter continue to grow in her abilities with the cello. I can't wait to see what else is possible...
I hope you and your family enjoy reminiscing about fond memories from old times and looking forward to the possibilities yet to be realized. Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Ana Moon
MEF President
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Support music programs with a donation to MEF today! |
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It's the end of the tax year, so get your donations in soon! MEF Tax ID: 94-2791659 |
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"Mr. C has inspired my kids so much this year. Every Wednesday they come home absolutely giddy about music class. We often listen to the songs from class on Alexa and sing/dance along. They think he's so cool! My husband and I aren't musicians so we're really grateful for the inspiration Mr. C has given them. He makes a big difference in our family." |
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"It's during those times when my students are at... classes (like music) that I get to have the time to create even better lesson plans and to collaborate with my colleagues over those plans." |
Ms. Pearson
Los Perales Kindergarten
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"I was thrilled to be able to attend the JM Winter Music Concert this week. I was impressed with the performances of all of the band, orchestra, and choir students. It was a joy to see all of the hard work and dedication come together, and I was happy that the students were able to share their work with an audience after a long hiatus. MEF's support of music in our intermediate school is so important. For my child, it offers a creative outlet during the day, as well as the opportunities to collaborate with others who have a similar interest. Providing the opportunity for students to explore music is a true gift to our community." |
Parent of a Joaquin Moraga Middle School Student |
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"High School without choir??? Unimaginable! Our daughter has had the pleasure of singing with Mr. Roberts all four years at Campo and that is exactly how she feels about the experience. He not only makes Choir a lot of fun, but he also manages to bring out the best in all of his students. What more of a confidence-booster could a parent ask for? The memories, music knowledge, and public presentation skills that she has gained through Choir will be with her long beyond high school, and we could not be more grateful to Mr. Roberts for all he does for our children." |
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Parent of a Campolindo Choir Student |
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"We all know the benefits of music education are immense, and the Campolindo Instrumental Music Program consistently proves that. Under the leadership of Mr. Johnson, my son is enjoying his second year playing trumpet, and we've been enjoying the beautiful concerts! Mr. Johnson creates an environment that fosters a greater work ethic and discipline in students where they learn to collaborate as a team, build trust, and improve time management and presentation skills (all while having fun!). These are all life skills that will be beneficial for years to come, and we are so grateful to Mr. Johnson for his passion and commitment to the students." |
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Parent of a Campolindo Instrumental Music Student |
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Save the date for the MEF Auction Gala! |
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April 30, 2022 at the Diablo Country Club |
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Moraga Education Foundation
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