|
“The KEYS program has proven to be extremely beneficial to our students, not only musically, but socially as well. Students have developed self-confidence and motivation as a result of this program. The relationship between the KEYS program and Beardsley School is a true partnership. We are working together with the students as our focus.” Amy Marshall, Principal |
| KEYS History | |
Spring 2004 – KEYS was founded by Rob Silvan who volunteered to teach piano to four students at Columbus School in Bridgeport. 2004 – 2005 – KEYS hired two professional music teachers and the program expanded to 16 students. The first KEYS recital was held in June 2005 2005 – 2006 – KEYS received instrument donations, individual contributions, and its first foundation grants. Violin instruction was added at Columbus, and KEYS initiated its program at Beardsley School, growing to 23 students 2006 - 2007 – The program expanded to four teachers and added cello lessons. KEYS grew to 52 4th through 6th graders. Several students were given scholarships to study during the summer at Talent Education Suzuki School in Norwalk, CT. 2007 - 2008 – KEYS expanded to over 60 students and 6 teachers, and introduced a group recorder class. KEYS facilitated the donation of two pianos from the Westport Music Center which remain a highly visible aspect of school life both for participating students and their schoolmates. |
2008 - 2009 - KEYS added a strings program as well as ten 2nd and 3rd graders to the piano program at Beardsley School; created an after-school program for middle schoolers at Marin School; started a piano program at Johnson School; and started an after-school practice program for elementary-aged students. KEYS served over eighty students in it’s group recorder and private lessons. 2009 - 2010 – KEYS grew to over 100 students in private and group lessons combined; added private classical guitar, and began after-school group musical theater and vocal programs. In addition, music students from Staples High School began teaching music fundamentals to children in the after-school program. 2010-2011 – KEYS will serve over 100 children in the private lesson program and another fifty in its group lesson programs. This will include a new violin program at Johnson School; expansion of private lessons at Beardsley and Columbus Schools; and a new program at the Discovery Magnet School. KEYS will also hold several workshops with the Fairfield Theater Company. |
