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Project BOOM! Update: Musical Success at RM Moore Elementary
Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) is dedicated to supporting teachers and students through innovative programs that make a difference in the classroom. One such program, Project BOOM! led by music teacher Mr. Ben Sexton at RM Moore Elementary School STEM Academy in Waleska, GA, has exceeded all expectations.
Funded by a CCEF Impact Grant, this project has brought music education to life, transforming students' experiences and fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence.
From composing original songs to performing in front of their peers, Project BOOM! has provided students with opportunities to explore music in meaningful and inspiring ways. We're excited to share how this project has unfolded and the incredible impact it continues to have on the school community.
What is Project BOOM?
Project BOOM! (Building Our Own Music) is an innovative music education initiative designed to teach students key musical concepts—reading, composing, and performing—through a hands-on, project-based approach. The program incorporates African drums (djembe and djun-djun) for rhythm and Orff mallet instruments (glockenspiel, metallophone, and xylophone) for melody, creating a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
Through a three-phase strategy students first learn how to properly play their instrument from direct instruction – Approach phase. They then apply this knowledge to compose original phrases and notate music – Application phase. Finally, students perform their newly composed music for their teacher, revise compositions based on feedback and perform publicly for peers – Assessment phase.
The Goals of Project BOOM
Goal #1: Direct Access to Music Instruction for All Students
With grant funding, RM Moore Elementary was able to purchase enough instruments to ensure every student had an instrument to use during class, allowing hands-on music participation for students of all skill levels.
Goal #2: Student Composition
The project set a goal for 90% of students to compose and notate at least one original song. Whether in kindergarten or fifth grade, students are encouraged to create music that reflects their developmental stage and understanding.
Goal #3: Public Performance
A highlight of Project BOOM! is the opportunity for students to share their work. The goal is for 80% of students to perform their compositions publicly, whether in small class settings or larger school-wide concerts.
The Musical Impact
The outcomes of Project BOOM! have been extraordinary. Since its launch at the beginning of the school year, students have embraced the opportunity to compose their own short songs. Project BOOM! not only aligns with the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) but also inspires students to become confident and well-rounded musicians.
The instruments funded by the grant are now a part of weekly music lessons, continuing to spark excitement and growth in students. This project has truly become a symphony of success at RM Moore Elementary.
Support Future Projects Like Project BOOM!
At CCEF, we're proud to support programs like Project BOOM! that inspire students and enrich education in Cherokee County schools. Your support can help us continue to fund innovative projects like this one.
Visit our programs page to learn more about our grants or contact us at (770) 704-4213 or via email at
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