Tiffin Middle School awarded grant

TIFFIN– The Tiffin Middle School music department was awarded a grant by the National Machinery Foundation in the amount of $54,773 for the purpose of funding a 25 station Music Technology Lab. According to Cory Ridge, choir director and music production instructor for Tiffin Middle School, the idea came about last year while staff were discussing potential schedule changes. "Previously, we had eight periods a day– including two ELA periods," said Ridge. He continued, "By combining English and Reading into one ELA period, we are able to open up more room in students' schedules for the fine arts." Students who previously had to choose between being a member of just band or just choir can now participate in both classes without issue. Ridge said that the addition of the lab is an effort to increase the availability of subjects that interest students. "The addition of the lab will allow us to implement a variety of music production courses," said Ridge, noting that Music Production 1 was implemented this year. "Over the next two years, we plan to implement a level 2 and 3 course for 7th and 8th graders, respectively," said Ridge. Music Production is currently a semester-long class, and Ridge says he anticipates most 6th graders will be interested in the level 1 class. Currently, students are utilizing Chromebooks and the software Bandlabs for Education– a free Digital Audio Workspace (DAW) program for students and teachers. Ridge shared that the school will transition to iMacs and utilize Ableton Live– a professional-level DAW. "By utilizing the same equipment that can be found in a professional studio setting, we are furthering TCS goal of career readiness," said Ridge. He continued by noting that so far the students' response to the program has been excellent. "I would like to thank the National Machinery foundation for the support and continuing to advocate for the music program at Tiffin City Schools," said Ridge. "We are very grateful for the opportunities it will provide current and future students alike."