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12 staff. 37 volunteers. 395 supporters. This is who we are. Every hour spent, every word spoken, every donation made, join together to share the gift of music with children who would otherwise have no access to its healing beauty. I don’t take for granted the trust you put in me and my team to be your partners in doing this good work. In this newsletter, you will find our last piece about the Summer Piano Bus experience and also get a glimpse of the new year. I hope that they bring you joy!
Jee-Hoon Krska, Executive Director
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A View from the Piano Bus
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Written by Alondra Martinez, K2S high school intern
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Expectations amassed as Piano Bus drew near. Meetings regarding the various activities taking place occurred. I managed the art group alongside Ella, a volunteer at Keys. We crafted activities and daily mini-lessons for an entire month based on common concepts in the art world, such as color theory and the principles of design. The goal was to incorporate each individual’s creativity with approaches that they could apply to their art outside of camp. Aside from the obvious aspect of teaching art, was to create an inviting space that would prompt them to return to camp.
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Piano Bus was incomparable to the previous month I had spent helping during after-school piano lessons and rehearsals. Back then, I had only met a handful of students in person, and they all had been familiar with Keys 2 Success and piano for quite a while. In contrast, some students taking part in Piano Bus had never played piano before and had to quickly build up their knowledge to prepare for the final “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” performance.
On the first day of camp, we held Piano Bus at Rock Church. The echoing front doors opening and closing alerted us of students’ arrival.
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That day my lesson was on patterns. Everyone took part, some more reluctant than others, but overall willing to give art a chance. As the minutes passed, students loosened up and conversed as they drew, leaving behind courteous small talk and diving in to talk about their daily lives. Different learning styles became apparent during that short time. Certain students preferred their personal space and would quietly draw, while others needed moral support and extra help to achieve the mental vision of their drawing. Albeit it was the first day, that day’s success set the tone for the rest of camp.
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As days went by, a sense of routine developed. We went to a different ward every day, met new students, and recognized old faces from prior weeks. Despite what appeared to be a repetitive schedule, no two days were the same.
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When students at the East Ward were particularly chatty and unyielding in their pursuits of mischief, students at the West Ward the next day would be quietly coloring in their art.
The different dynamics further developed my understanding of the Piano Bus.
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For example, one student at the North Ward Center, Jose, exclusively spoke Spanish. We removed the language hindrance with a simple adjustment. Staff and volunteers taking part in Piano Bus who spoke Spanish talked to Jose and allowed him to be equally engaged in all the classes taught in Piano Bus.
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As the final performance approached, I switched to helping students in the rehearsal. Despite being in a different role in camp, the students’ continuous banter and interaction with me let me know I wasn’t just Ms. Alondra, the art teacher in their eyes.
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I was someone they knew and trusted would help them regardless of the situation in which we found ourselves. Students knew my name and would greet me when they walked in through the door, and before walking out, they’d hug me goodbye. A tight-knit community formed, and aspects such as race and background were perks for students who could relate to their teachers in that aspect.
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I made new friends; I accomplished the goal I set for myself at the beginning of summer.
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Written by Alondra Martinez, high school intern
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Every Tuesday and Thursday this summer, 10-year old Thaila Freitas greeted the students coming to summer camp with a warm heart. She was just about everywhere during camp, not sitting down to reset until the day was over. Her polished skills, dedication, and positive attitude make her a bright light in the life of all the students and staff. Thaila started in Keys 2 Success as a 1st grader 5 years ago. This summer it was decided that her bright light would hit the road and Thaila left her role as a student and became a Junior Teacher!
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One of the most enjoyable workshops this summer was the writing workshop. Enjoy this short story by our 2nd grader, Kimberlin.
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Great Start for a New School Year
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This fall, In addition to the 3 summer sites, we have partnered with the Kinney Community Garden to teach 2.5 to 3.5 year old students in the Central Ward.
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This summer’s Piano Bus program was a resounding success as over a hundred students around Newark learned to play the piano. The minivan we rented not only transported instruments and sound equipment to the students, it also helped to transport our staff and volunteers, 90% of whom do not own their own vehicle. We are seeking a mini-van (Honda or Toyota preferred) so that we can continue to bring music to new neighborhoods. Please contact us if you are in the NJ area and have a vehicle to donate.
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