Many students struggle while attempting to learn the intricacies of math and science. However, through a unique program that is sponsored by Bose Corporation, the National Association for Music Education and Fairfield University, students in Bridgeport are now being given the opportunity to study these subjects with the use of music.
“The In Harmony With Education program is an interdisciplinary music curriculum designed to allow students to see, hear and feel the power and beauty of music as it demonstrates the nature and science of the sounds that surround them in their daily lives. It is hands-on and tries to forge connections for the students between music, science and math,” according to a university press release.
Bose has been running the project with Bridgeport public schools at the University of Bridgeport for the past four years. This year, several Fairfield University music, education, math and science students joined Bridgeport teachers in administering the workshops to approximately 2,000 fifth-grade students, according to the press release.
The workshops took place Feb. 6-10 and Feb. 13 and 14 at the University of Bridgeport, and each included three 30-minute sessions.
In Harmony With Education was brought to Fairfield University when Assistant Professor of Music Laura Nash attempted to bring a music education program to Fairfield. However, in order to start a new program, Nash had to first get approval from the administration and the state of Connecticut. The state was enthusiastic about establishing a music education program, but Fairfield wanted to be sure that the program “would not only fit into the University’s mission, but also be self-sustaining and viable,” said Nash.
In the spring of 2003, she found a listing for a federal grant program for arts education that required collaboration between an institution of higher education and a public school district with more than 75 percent of children below the poverty line.
Over the next year, Nash applied for, received and got the grant approved by Timothy Snyder, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
“The purpose of the grant was to provide professional development to the music teachers and thus improve student achievement,” Nash said.
So when the Bose Corporation, in collaboration with the National Association for Music Education, approached Nash about helping with its In Harmony With Education program, she jumped at the chance.
Students who have worked with professor Nash report that the experience was a positive one.
“I would definitely recommend volunteering,” said Kristen D’Alessandro ’08. “The kids really enjoyed it and looked like they were having a great time.”
Nash has high hopes for potential growth of the In Harmony program with the help of Fairfield students.
“In the future, we hope to be able to expand the number of students participating from Fairfield. It can easily become an internship and students can receive credit for it,” she said.
The program’s International Operations Manager Jason Brisbois feels the same way.
“Working with Fairfield University, the University of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Public School system is an exciting means for us to work with the community for the common good of students in Bridgeport public schools,” he said.
“It is our hope to continue this collaboration for many years to come and explore additional opportunities similar to this throughout Connecticut,” he added.
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