St. Margaret’s Early School faculty members recently toured the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in Corona, learning more about the manufacturing and production processes of guitars and other string instruments. 

The 20 professional community members had the opportunity to observe firsthand the dynamics involved in the hands-on craftsmanship of producing award-winning instruments and listen to experiences from principal Master Artists who have perfected the art of customizing guitars.

The learning at Fender included artists’ stories, development and appreciation, which will be foundational to St. Margaret’s new constructivist music curriculum the Early School called Our Music Movement (OMM). The program was part of St. Margaret’s Innovation Summer Grant program which enabled the development of a Music Laboratory tailored for Early School students exploring sound and STEAM concepts. 

This innovative curriculum is led by Early School assistant director Dr. Sonia Yoshizawa and Director of Chorale Music Adela Kwan. Also contributing to the OMM curriculum was St. Margaret’s parent Helen Collen and four other Early School professional community members interested in developing a constructivist music curriculum for St. Margaret’s. 

 

Age-appropriate instruments and other equipment for the Music Laboratory was funded by a PTF grant.

Dr. Yoshizawa expressed gratitude for the project support, noting that "we deeply appreciate the PTF’s generosity in allowing us to continue enhancing and expanding our Early School Reggio-inspired music curriculum.”