HARDWICK – Hardwick Elementary School (HES) music teacher Jess Zehngut has been selected as a recipient of the Music Will National Instrument Fund, a highly competitive national award with only 11% of applicants chosen. Through this grant, HES will receive new instruments and resources to expand its music program and provide more students with hands-on musical opportunities.
photo by Lisa Stinson.
This new award builds on previous support HES has received from Music Will. Last year, the school was awarded six acoustic guitars, along with an electric bass and amplifier, resources that helped lay the foundation for its emerging modern band program. The latest grant will further expand those offerings and increase access for students.
The award will support the growth of HES’s modern band offerings, giving students access to instruments such as guitar, drums, keyboards, vocals, and ukulele. Zehngut plans to increase formal acoustic guitar instruction in upper-grade music classes and create pathways for students to transition into electric guitar and participate in small, student-led rock groups.
Zehngut, a strong advocate of the modern band approach, emphasizes its ability to connect students with music in meaningful and engaging ways. “Modern band programs boost engagement by focusing on music that is relevant to students’ lives,” Zehngut said. “Traditionally, there’s not much overlap between what kids listen to and hear outside of school and what music class covers. This draws students in with what’s already familiar, and by starting with simple tunes, they can feel immediate success.”
The program also fosters collaboration, independence and creativity. Students work in small groups, take ownership of their learning and develop critical musical skills. “Grouping students into small bands and giving them a fair amount of autonomy encourages cooperation and creativity, and boosts confidence,” Zehngut added. “In time, students will be managing their own rehearsals, learning to improvise and composing their own music.”
Beyond immediate classroom benefits, the initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on students’ musical journeys. “These skills will also strengthen and benefit more traditional musical forms and ensembles, boosting participation at the middle and high school level,” Zehngut said.
