Cherry Valley students sing with Sneezy
Cherry Valley students entertained around 500 family members, friends and community members during "Singing with Sneezy." (Courtesy photo)
Last week approximately 500 family members, friends and community members attended Cherry Valley Elementary School’s second annual winter music program, titled “Singing with Sneezy.”
Music teacher Whitney Buchmann and her students put their hearts and creativity into the concert, incorporating the story of “Sneezy the Snowman,” by Maureen Wright, into a program designed to spread a message of giving. Cuteness abounded as the kindergarten and first grade students delivered songs like “Frosty Weather,” “Fresh and Bright,” and “I’m Just Right.“
Following the program, families were invited back to their child’s classroom to snuggle up and read. Afterward, each Cherry Valley kindergarten and first-grade child received a copy of “Sneezy the Snowman” to take home and add to their library. This was made possible by funding from Donors Choose, procured by Mrs. Buchmann, and additional funds from a grant received through the school’s curriculum director Betsy Wade.
Cherry Valley reintroduced its music program during the 2023/2024 school year, in recognition that music offers a wide range of benefits for elementary students that extend far beyond the music room. Research shows that music education can enhance brain functions related to language, speech, reading, and sound processing. These functions are vital for cognitive growth in young children.
In addition to these brain benefits, students who participate in music classes, lessons and programs often perform better academically. This leads to higher achievement in subjects like English and math. This is likely due to the problem-solving and creative thinking skills that music encourages, as students learn to think critically and explore multiple solutions to musical challenges.
Beyond academics, music education provides students with opportunities to be creative and learn the importance of teamwork, while promoting personal growth. Additionally, musical performances help students develop skills that prepare them for future public presentations.
Cherry Valley is the first stepping stone in Polson’s educational system and takes great pride in helping students develop skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic … and music, as they learn to be future leaders in whatever area suits their “just-right” selves.