In New Prague, musical opportunity is woven into the fabric of a student’s journey from day one. While every child begins their musical path in Kindergarten, the fifth-grade year marks a major milestone as students dive into band or choir. However, at Raven Stream Elementary, the music opportunities have expanded even further. Students are now finding new ways to create music through two programs: the Pitch Perfect singing group and now in our second year, the Raven Stream Ukulele Club.
These groups were started by Melissa Giles, who transitioned to the music room after 18 years as a special education teacher. Mrs. Giles first started Pitch Perfect to ensure that every fifth grader - especially those already committed to the band - had a dedicated space to sing. What started as a modest group of 15 students, we now have over 50 fifth graders. Our students proudly represent the school, singing the National Anthem at high school games, caroling at local nursing homes, singing at the winter and spring concerts, and also performing at the Fine Arts Night here in New Prague.
In the Spring of 2024, Mrs. Giles began playing the ukulele as a tool to lead her classes in song. Recognizing the instrument’s potential, she wrote a grant request to the New Prague Area Education Foundation. The approved funding allowed the school to purchase 18 ukuleles integrating the instrument directly into the general music curriculum.
Students learn the parts of the ukulele, the names of the strings, and basic chords. Once students learn basic chords in music class they are able to audition to participate in our Ukulele Club. During our time together we learn a song to perform at the annual Fine Arts Night and have one big combined practice with the Pitch Perfect group to choreograph our song together as a group. Both groups meet during recess.
The ukulele is a wonderful instrument to help students learn music while building their confidence. By the end of our first lesson students are able to play a full song. By the end of our unit they are able to play over 100 songs with the chords they have learned. Unlike the guitar, which has six strings, the ukulele only has four strings. It is smaller in size, so easier to handle and the soft nylon strings are easier on the fingers.
Mrs. Giles shared that there are few greater joys than sharing and celebrating in the deep love and excitement of making music with her students. Beyond the catchy tunes, these groups provide a social setting that helps build student resilience and collaboration.
In the music room, you’ll see the “New Prague Way” in action: a student gently correcting a peer’s finger placement, a group cheering for a classmate brave enough to play a solo, and student leaders stepping up to run warm-ups. Through a growth mindset, these fifth graders aren’t just learning to play an instrument - they are learning how to support one another and connect with the world around them.