Bridges Academy of Fine Arts - Outreach Music Program
 Is there singing at your school?
Since 2001 the Bridges Academy has partnered with the Robert & Janice McNair foundation to bring music to over 19 HISD elementary schools whose music programs have been cut due to budget constraints. Our classes meet once a week after school or as scheduled by the school administration. 12 weeks of instruction culminates in a holiday program in the fall semester and a large music festival in the spring, where over 800 children from our combined schools gather to sing and learn from master musicians from Houston's vibrant arts community.
What will children do in a Bridges program?
Sing in many languages. Study other cultures. Dance. Express emotion. Develop useful social skills. Practice teamwork. Make many friends. Learn to sing the music which has shaped our world.
Is this program worth our time?
Children who sing regularly enjoy their school week more and tend to be better students. Countless studies show that intelligence, test scores, reading ability, mathematics ability, and social skills are all much improved by the study of music and fine arts. Other tests show that the elementary years are the most important time for arts education.
How do we get involved?
For each participating school, the cost is $3,000 for the year, billed in two equal installments per semester. Many schools have elected to use budget funds to pay for the program, while others have asked their PTOs to raise money. For schools who need financial assistance, grant monies are available on a limited basis. To inquire about this, contact Mr. R. Neil Wiley, Director of HISD Fine Arts Strategic Initiatives, at 713-892-6384, or at rwiley1@houstonisd.org.
The Music Outreach Program is administered by Beverly Laubach, Director of Bridges Academy, and Monica Griffin, Associate Director. We will be delighted to answer your questions any weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by calling Bridges at 713-402-5122 or 713-402-5110, or through e-mail to blaubach@stlukes-hou.org. Outreach in Action
Click the play button below to view an HISD News clip featuring our 2007 Children's Music Festival:
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