The soaring sounds of the orchestra can be heard at Ruch Outdoor Community School. With the help of our very generous community, funds raised at the annual auction allowed adding orchestra instruction beginning in the third grade.
The motivation behind our music enrichment program was based on the plethora of studies focusing on various music-centered strategies to aid in the comprehension in the curriculum. Music instruction and study is a major proponent to increase an elementary students’ engagement, memory and recall, and enhances literacy education.
Our students were able to choose their string instruments at the beginning of the year under the instruction of Richard Meyer, who taught music for the Medford School District for many years, and is an accomplished musician and performer. He came out of retirement when he discovered that Ruch School made music a priority with students.
“I have approximately 45 3rd-5th graders currently doing amazing things in Orchestra and learning lifelong skills. This experience has shown to be beneficial not only for the future of instrumental programs, it also helps students foster social skills needed for the future, helping others in achieving a common goals, as well as the intrinsic motivation that occurs when you accomplish things you never thought possible.”
ROCS is a PreK-8 public school that offers an alternative to regular education operating on a 4-day week schedule by engaging students in lessons, activities and field experiences that connect them with the environment. Funds for the music program are still needed…if you would like to donate to this program, please contact Ruch Outdoor Community School at 541-842-3850.
Please join us April 9 in the gym for a performance of “Soaring Sounds” as we fill the Applegate Valley with beautiful music.
Lynda Hickey-PTO President
Richard Meyer-Orchestra Instructor
Featured image: Ruch School 3rd-graders, Ava Cohen and Zavin Tester – photo by Kathleen Morse