Dorchester County music teacher inspires students through fine arts

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) – A teacher in Dorchester County turned her hobby into a career and now wants to inspire her elementary school students to do the same.

Erin Bromley is a music teacher at Newington Elementary. At Newington, Bromley says she sees her students grow physically and in their musical skills. She teaches all grade levels from pre-K to fifth grade. Bromley says her goal is for them to continue their musical talents into middle school.

“It’s just so many different types of music, the possibilities are endless,” Bromley says.

In their current unit, Bromley is introducing her kids to steel drums, and she says it’s one of their favorites. Along with steel drums, she says her students in the past loved playing the keyboards or the piano. Bromley says for some students, waiting to walk into their fine arts classes finally makes their day and the number of skills students can learn in music can translate to other subjects.

Bromley says she tries to open up the opportunity for her students to experience a variety of instruments so she’s on the hunt to gather as many resources as possible to make that a reality. From projects centered on instruments breaking or in need of replacement to projects that feature new instruments, Bromley says she wants to make sure her elementary school students come in contact with as many instruments as possible.

“The number of skills the students can learn in music helps them in other subjects,” Bromley says. “I mean it’s scientifically proven in so many ways and it brings people joy.”

Bromley says the school performs fine arts showcases every year from all grade levels and she’s excited for her students to perform for their parents and community members. Bromley hopes her kids find true happiness in music. Whether through an instrument, art, dance or even a song, those fond memories of music class can be used later in their lives.

Donating to Bromley’s Donors Choose project, you’ll be providing sheet music, chromatic handbells, and movement scarves along with the title of becoming a Classroom Champion.

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