Thanks to a mini-grant from Utrust, Ralph Askins School’s music program will now have access to a new curriculum, which includes an online component, increasing accessibility while focusing on cutting edge content and technique.

The $4,400 grant for Ms. Lisa Adams’ music classes at RAS is funded by Utrust investments, not tax dollars, nor a return of unused premiums.  Utrust is an organization that assists school systems in Tennessee with unemployment issues and in recognizing, supporting and appreciating school employees.

Students in all RAS grades, kindergarten through fifth, will benefit from the mini grant.

“While a book in hand is always appropriate, we live in a time when this isn’t always practical,” the grant proposal reads. “An online program that contains everything needed for every lesson would facilitate dynamic lessons no matter what the circumstances. This would be transformational to the RAS music program.

“Research shows that music is an integral part of a great school curricular line-up,” the proposal continues. “It encourages out-of-the-box thinking, rhythmic conceptual thinking and practical application of core academic concepts.”

Ralph Askins School’s music program has received a $4,400 mini-grant from Utrust. Pictured here with (at center) Lisa Adams, music teacher, are Assistant Principal Michael Bobbitt and Principal Tonja Whitenack.