Exciting News for Aiken Schools: Local Music Teachers Awarded Grants!
Aiken, SC—Music is in the air, and it’s not just the sound of the latest pop hits! Recently, two remarkable music educators in Aiken County received a warm welcome into the spotlight, as they were honored with Aiken Singers music grants aimed at enhancing music education for local students. The recipients, Colby Gerald from Redcliffe Elementary School and Amanda Durden from Gloverville Elementary School, couldn’t be more thrilled!
A Bit About the Grants
The Aiken Singers are dedicated to fostering a love for music within the community, and these grants—up to $500 each—are specifically designed to promote music education across Aiken County schools. What a fantastic way to support our future musicians and encourage creativity in our young learners!
Meet Amanda Durden
Amanda Durden is no stranger to the classroom. With a solid decade of teaching experience under her belt, she currently shines as the general music teacher at both Gloverville and Warrenville Elementary schools. Her educational journey commenced at USC Aiken, where she eagerly pursued a Bachelor of Arts in music education, graduating in 2014. In a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning, Amanda also completed her +18-hour class advancement just last year!
During her time at USC Aiken, Amanda participated in everything from the Jazz Band to the University Wind Ensemble. She even shared her love for music by teaching bassoon and saxophone privately! With her grant, Amanda plans on purchasing classroom manipulatives like music staff puzzlers and rhythm builders. These tools will help students grasp music theory in an engaging and hands-on manner—talk about making learning fun!
Colby Gerald Joins the Celebration
On the other side of town, Colby Gerald is overjoyed to receive the grant as well. This passionate music teacher at Redcliffe Elementary is a graduate of Southern Wesleyan University, where he honed his skills and focused on teaching music for students from kindergarten all the way through grade 12. During his college days, Colby proudly marched with the Clemson Tiger Band for three years—a fantastic experience for any budding musician!
Colby believes in blending essential music theory with hands-on practice in his classes. He’s all about giving his students the gift of musical expression and discovery. Outside of the classroom, you can find him lending his talents to the North Augusta High School Jacket Regiment or playing his favorite instrument, the French horn.
With his grant, Colby is eager to introduce fun-filled ukulele classes for his upper-grade students. By bringing ukuleles into the music curriculum, he is determined to help students develop their motor skills and cultivate a lasting passion for music. The added bonus? Colby hopes that these young musicians will feel inspired to continue their musical journeys well into middle school and beyond!
Community Support Matters
This generous support from the Aiken Singers is a prime example of how community organizations can enrich our local schools. It’s an investment in the future, ensuring that our students are equipped with the tools and experiences they need to thrive in music. So let’s all give a round of applause to Amanda, Colby, and the Aiken Singers for their amazing contributions to our community’s musical landscape!
As we move into the holiday season, it’s important to remember how much of a difference local grants and initiatives can make in our schools. Helping our children develop their potential, especially through the arts, creates a vibrant and creative community. Here’s to many more musical successes in Aiken County!
