Elia Pepps, general music and piano teacher, leads a group of 18 second grade students in song, and next door, third graders are practicing their rhythmic skills by beating on bongo drums. These are just a couple of things one will notice at the newly opened Tindley Genesis Academy on North Capital Avenue.
While several schools are decreasing funds for music and art classes, Tindley Genesis is an elementary school with a music-based curriculum whose motto is “academic excellence through the arts.”
“In a world where standardize testing is such a huge deal and the arts are getting cut, I think this is the one thing we haven’t tried. There are schools that say they are performing arts schools and they have magnets within them,” said Todd Hawks, principal of Tindley Genesis. “But essentially the students that behave well and are performing well academically get to participate in the arts programs, but here we’re saying no, everybody in the school will because research shows brain development is enhanced through music.”
Hawks played a pivotal role in the school’s creation. He also helped open Tindley Renaissance and was principal.
Faculty and staff moved into the vacant Fall Creek Academy location in July and the 30,000 square-foot building currently houses about 160 students in grades K-3, and 11 teachers.
As Indiana’s first accelerated elementary with a focused concentration on music and the arts, students at Tindley Genesis engage in music instruction throughout the school day which includes classes in instrumental music, singing, piano, and general music.
As Tindley Accelerated Schools’ sixth school, the establishment has partnered with Meridian Music, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Butler Community Arts School, the Indiana Repertory Theatre and Dance Kaleidoscope to give students an opportunity to infuse their curriculum in and outside of school. Meridian Music donated several instruments. Throughout the day students can learn to play the piano in the keyboard lab and the violin will soon become a learning tool as well.
“We’re continually focused on transforming lives through educational opportunities that work for our students,” said Marcus Robinson, chancellor and CEO of Tindley Accelerated Schools in a statement. “The addition of this school to the Tindley family provides a solid foundation for the long-term success of our scholars.”
Given the school operates on an accelerate level; the school day is from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The afternoon hour from 4-5 p.m. is to assist students who may need extra help. On Friday, students are released early, which creates time for teacher development in the afternoons.
“I think people have to learn who we are and what we are about. So far from what I’ve heard from parents and families, this school just feels different because we have fun, but we learn and keep a positive atmosphere,” mentioned Hawks.
Students at Tindley Genesis have music class every day, which includes a world drumming class and a performing arts class to meet their physical education requirement. Traditional curriculum includes two hours of reading, an hour and a half of math, an hour of writing, an hour of music, recess and an hour of science or social studies.
“Teachers think of creative ways to teach children with music, for example, the other day a teacher was teaching students about life cycles so she started by singing the ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ and the students began singing along with her. They then can identify a cycle because the song and concept repeats,” commented Hawks.
Celeste Norris, first grade teacher at Tindley Genesis, has been a teacher for the past three years and began at Tindley Renaissance. She believes music improves engagement, behavior and makes learning a fun experience for students.
“I’ve had parents come to me and say their kids are having fun at school. They’re retaining information and I see it everyday in class,” said Norris. “My biggest teaching tool is rhythm. I’ll say directions to them rhythmically and I’ll have them repeat it so they get much more into it. Many times I’ll sing my directions and it catches their attention. I love to sing and I love expression and high energy environments.”
Parents can learn more or enroll their child into Tindley Genesis by calling the enrollment office at (317) 777-6677 or emailing enrollment@tindley.org.
