7th Grade Grant 2023-2024
Winning Proposal:
Music Writing and Production Class
Pictured: Alexis Seubert (FPEF President), Principal Steffner, Brian Silkensen (Supervisor of Curriculum), Mike Wynne (New Horizons), Seth Blender (New Horizons), Cate Elefante, Joe Elefante, and Pallavi Makjhija (FPEF Grants Committee).
Congratulations to Cate Elefante, Winner of the FPEF Inaugural Student Grant!
Out of 10 grant applications, Cate's proposal, "Music Writing and Production Class," has been chosen as the winner of the inaugural 7th Grade Student Grant.
Through a generous $1,000 donation from New Horizons Day Camp to the FPEF for this initiative, RMS will acquire licenses for a music production software program called SoundTrap, and Music Writing and Production will be integrated into the music curriculum for all RMS students, who will also have access to the existing recording studio.
Thank you.
Gratitude to our grant panelists: Mike Wynne (New Horizons Day Camp), Karen Fierro (Wiss & Co.), Finola Colon (Madison Area YMCA), Alisa Laudicina (FPEF Fund Development Committee), and Pallavi Makhija (FPEF Grants Committee).
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Thank you to Mr. Steffner and Mr. Silkensen for championing Cate's proposal and working so diligently to implement it.
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We are thrilled that New Horizons has committed to sponsoring this program again next year for the incoming 7th grade class.
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Cate will sit on the FPEF interview panel next year, and also receive a $500 gift at graduation sponsored by the Madison Area YMCA. From idea, to implementation, to helping select the next grant recipient. Her grant changed curriculum and will leave a legacy for future students.
"New students shouldn't feel intimidated, like they might joining choir, band, or orchestra. I see this class as both an introduction to music and a challenge for current music students. It would connect students of all experience levels because they could collaborate on a piece of work or simply listen to each other's creations, fostering new friendships... I want to create lifelong music learners with this class. Additionally, songwriting can be more beneficial for mental health than many realize. If students are struggling, they can always turn to songwriting to express and overcome their challenges. Songwriting is great for the mind and soul, and it can help students navigate difficult times."
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-Music Writing and Production Class Grant Proposal
by Cate Elefante