FRIENDS OF MUSIC DONATE MUSIC SUPPLIES TO SHEPHERDSTOWN DAY CARE

The Friends of Music have donated a variety of musical instruments and supplies to the Shepherdstown Day Care Center. The Center had requested the items to restart a musical activities program that had lapsed because of a lack of funds.

The items that were donated included a 15-player rhythm band kit; a Tom Boy drum with mallet; bongo drums, triangle, tambourine and pair of cymbals; a set of five textured egg shakers; two xylophones; a scarves-and-ribbons movement set; and two paperback activity books. The total value of the donation was $421.

The accompanying photo shows a group of Day Care Center students with the supplies. In the background, from left to right are pre-kindergarten assistant Amber Siler, pre-kindergarten teacher Lacey Chalk, and Friends of Music board member David Rampy.

The donation was presented in early February, before the Covid-19 virus had become a major issue. The Center, like all similar institutions, is of course currently closed because of the virus.

The donation was part of the Friends’ grant program to support music education for Berkeley and Jefferson county children. The grants typically cover instruments and musical supplies not provided through their schools’ budgets. The Friends also provide scholarships to talented students who are pursuing degrees in music.

The Day Care Center offers educational care for different age groups. It has an infant/toddler program, two pre-kindergarten classes in cooperation with the Jefferson County School Board, before-and-after-school programs, and a summer camp. Its website is www.shepherdstowndaycare.org.