With a new year comes a new opportunity. Mrs. Diane Thomas and the Choir Department have started piano classes with the new piano lab. After applying for a program Yamaha had, we received the new lab with state-of-the-art programs for teaching.
With classes running during first period for a Fine Arts credit and Tuesday after school, open to anyone. Students, parents, and teachers from all over are taking advantage of the lab. With non-performing classes and no previous experience in playing the piano needed.
“It works. We’re learning and moving pretty quickly through it. It’s fast-paced,” said Steven Hersey, a student from the first period class, about the program.
The program, which is run on the computer, teaches students through different techniques. From listening to music and recognizing the notes to actually reading the notes and playing them. It addresses the many ways of learning.
“It’s very different. There are parts I really like and others that I don’t,” said Chelsea Kopera, an after school student.
With the opportunity to learn how to create and play music for free lessons every week, Sarah Skaja, an after school student and a choir student, enjoys the classes.
“I’m finally able to be smarter than a teacher…including my mom! Just being in the choir room makes everything enjoyable, but pretending that I know what I’m doing is the icing on my cake, “ she said jokingly.
Nicole Hagar, a student from the first period class, played music previously in middle school and stopped when she began high school.
“The program is great…now I am able to read and play music again,” said Hagar.
Mrs. Thomas feels strongly about this program and the impact it will have on the students that it touches.
“Music is a crucial part of everyone’s life and can physically reshape the brain. We know the study of music build confidence, improves problem-solving, improves SAT scores, and helps you stay healthy,” she said. The benefits of music show in many places.
“Am I the only one that’s noticed that kids in music programs are in honors and AP classes? It’s oh so true,” said Skaja.
“I have also noticed that by playing music again, I am doing a lot better in my math class,” said Hagar.
The piano lab isn’t a permanent system at Cienega unless the money is raised in order to keep this program. The fundraiser called “Sponsor a Key” allows people to sponsor one of the 1000 keys on the keyboards in the lab for a tax deductible donation of $20 dollars made out to CHS Choir. The sponsors’ names will be placed on a plaque that will be in the main office saying that they are responsible for helping to keep the piano lab. Only 50 out of the 1000 keys have been sold to date.
To join the Tuesday after school class, just talk to Mrs. Thomas in the choir room. It runs from 3:30 to 4:30 and costs nothing.