Jazz band to perform at Ford's Prairie Elementary

The Centralia College Jazz Band will perform for the student body at Ford’s Prairie Elementary School on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

The performance is meant to entertain but also to empower and educate students where they may only have limited opportunity for musical growth and enrichment. Students at Ford’s Prairie, Lincoln and Edison Elementary schools all share one music teacher throughout the school year.

“Elementary schools don’t get a lot of culture, and they can’t really afford it,” said Dr. Donna Huffman, head of the music department. “In a time of tough economic strain, every one of the arts is even more valuable; if you eliminate one of the arts, you will not be serving part of the population, especially in Lewis County.”

The performance is scheduled during the jazz band’s regular class time, so they can afford time and opportunity to prepare this event and others like it.

Oakview Elementary School was recently treated to a similar event, and the fifth grade responded with letters of appreciation to Dr. Huffman and her students. Some fifth graders now plan to attend college and specifically to participate in music programs when they get there and in the nearer future.

“Every video game, movie, wedding and funeral has music. It’s our connection to what we have and who we are,” said Dr. Huffman.

For more information, contact Ruth Woodcock, ext. 248, or Dr. Donna Huffman, ext. 244.

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