Through a Teacher Mini-Grant, offered to staff throughout the Keystone Central School District, Robb Elementary was able to purchase two Djembe drums, three Tubano drum sets and two Tubano drums.

The drums were ordered in the fall by KCF, according to foundation Director Melissa Bottorf, and were recently shipped to the elementary school.

Bottorf and members of the foundation’s board recently had the opportunity to see the drums in action.

Students in various grade levels — including second and fourth grade — in Teresa Poole’s class were excited for the drum circle during their regular music classes.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Keystone Central Foundation members, from left, Leslie Smith, Mary Coploff, Director Melissa Bottorf and Deb Smeltz, participate in a drum circle with second graders at Robb Elementary School.

Poole, a music teacher at Robb, submitted the application for the mini-grant.

In a summary for the grant application, Poole noted the drums could contribute to community building.

“Students learn how to collaborate, work together and understand the success of cooperation,” Poole wrote in the grant. “Drumming builds listening skills, leaders and an excitement for future learning.”

That excitement was clearly on display for members of the foundation, who watched as kids gasped and jumped up and down with joy when they first laid eyes on the drums — all set up together in a circle in the school’s music room.

Prior to entering the circle, Poole reviewed the various types of drums and explained the foundation’s role in purchasing the new drums.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Robb Elementary School Music Teacher Teresa Poole, center, walks fourth grade students through a drumming exercise.

One second grader excitedly said how much he liked the colorful patterns on the sides of the drums.

Bottorf and foundation members Bob Dwyer, Deb Smeltz, Leslie Smith and Mary Coploff — along with various KCSD administrators such as Superintendent Dr. Francis Redmon and Robb Principal Tyler Barth — had the chance to join in the fun during the visit.

Poole walked the students through various activities, including listening and repeating patterns she tapped on her drum and games of telephone.

In Poole’s application, it was noted the drum circle would provide a unique learning opportunity for the kids at Robb.

“The project is unique in that it provides students with opportunities to be creative and imaginative through exploring new ways to perform on the drums and create new sounds,” she wrote. “Students will learn that drumming is a lifelong skill that can be applied to social emotional learning, communication, self expression, empathy, creativity and making decisions.”

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Members of the Keystone Central Foundation are pictured with drums purchased for Robb Elementary School through a Teacher Mini-Grant and a thank you note from grateful students. They are, front row from left, Foundation board members Leslie Smith and Mary Coploff, KCSD Superintendent Dr. Francis Redmon, Foundation Director Melissa Bottorf and Robb Principal Tyler Barth. Back row, Robb Music Teacher Teresa Poole and foundation members Deb Smeltz and Bob Dwyer.

Poole noted students would also have the opportunity to continue enhancing their drumming skills through their middle and high school careers.

She further told the foundation in the application that the project would offer a way to “aid students in emotional regulation, critical thinking and exploring new ideas.”

“Music is a universal language. Students will be able to communicate in society with the support of this project,” she concluded. “At Robb, every student is seen, heard and loved. With this project students will work together to be seen, heard and loved in a positive and fun way.”

Redmon told The Express he was happy to see the continued partnership between the foundation and the district.

“It’s wonderful to see how you can take music education and expand upon it this way,” he said. “It’s a powerful partnership.”

He noted watching the rhythms created by the students collaborating showcases the importance of music education for the kids.

Bottorf said the foundation was happy to provide this new opportunity for students. Previously, Robb was able to purchase ukuleles through a foundation grant.

“It’s more than just music. It’s adding life skills and that’s a focus in the district and for the foundation,” she said. “It really helps the kids focus, builds teamwork and many other skills.”