When Books, Brushes and Bands for Education made its debut 17 years ago, executive director Michelle Golden and her husband, Arturo Cardenas, wanted their two sons and their peers to experience an in-depth cultural arts education, particularly in music.
“In addition to my husband, my father, Michael Golden, was a leading advocate to encourage me to consider beginning the organization,” Michelle Golden said. “As a professional musician in his youth, he had a great appreciation for the arts and understood the importance of a well-rounded education and exposure to experiences beyond the everyday classroom.”
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The devoted dad took his children to professional theater, art exhibits and various performances.
Books, Brushes and Bands for Education began its mission with artistic literacy projects in area schools in 1999. The intention is to reinvigorate them, increase student participation (ages 4 to 18) in all of its music programs and develop greater secondary education partnerships in which the arts are a vehicle to address social issues.
Classes include Instrumental: Midwest Youth Band (grades 3-12, beginning and experienced) and Midwest Youth Orchestra (grades 1-8, including violin instruction; Vocal: Let’s Sing (ages 4 to 7), Midwest Youth Choir (ages 8 to 18) and Midwest Adult Choir (18 and older).
There is no residency restriction for any program. Classes are overseen by five teachers and take place at Miller Elementary school in Hammond’s Hessville section. Finding a permanent home for administrative, as well as literary, visual and musical arts instruction, is one of the organization’s goals.
Books, Brushes and Bands for Education plans to build on the success on the past 17 years by getting the word out, to families who wish to enroll their children as well as those who wish to support the organization.
It takes a variety of resources to shape children for their futures, according to Golden.
“In a global society such as ours, preparedness is key. Being out in the world through self-presentation and performance, children learn self-confidence and are more willing to explore, try new things, and work well in teams because of their experiences in a group setting,” Golden said. “Through perseverance and determination, we have provided many innovative and unusual experiences for thousands of students. With greater involvement from more leaders, together we can build a legacy for all students. Whether it’s a 5-year-old that needs to improve diction through singing, an 8-year-old who wants to learn to play a clarinet or a 13-year-old who is looking for an additional place to play the flute outside of school, each student has a desire to learn.”
The nonprofit relies on financial and other types of support from many areas — individuals, organizations, companies, groups and partnerships — to continue its mission. Fundraisers are scheduled throughout the year.
An annual Book Brigade, “A Call To Action”, which delivers hundreds of free books to Hammond residents, also is on the BBB4E’s agenda.
The overwhelming positive response at book collections points, which are throughout the area months prior to delivery, results in a vast variety geared toward various ages.
“We were so surprised when we saw the little red wagons coming through our neighborhood last year,” Hessville mom Deline Taylor said. “My kids were so excited that someone cared enough to help them build their book libraries. Giving those books free of charge is a godsend to many of us.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.