For almost two decades, Sound Connections has offered music therapy to students free of charge in St. Johns County, but the remaining $61,000 required to provide this benefit to four Title 1 schools was cut as part of the State of Florida’s defunding of arts programs.
However, this outreach of First Coast Cultural Center will continue to serve more than 500 students, trusting that the much-needed funds will be obtained through grants and financial support from individuals, foundations and corporations, especially in the St. Augustine area.
“Students find music so enjoyable and accessible, and I love seeing them smile as they grow academically, socially and emotionally with music,” said Candice Sirak, board certified music therapist and Sound Connections clinical manager.
Sound Connections is offered to all pre-K students and self-contained Access Points Classrooms (with modified curriculum) for kindergarten through fifth grade. The cost per student is $250, which equates to $5,000 to support one class or $15,000 to support one school for an entire school year.
Nine schools will offer the program during the 2024-25 school year. Four are Title 1 schools: Crookshank Elementary, Osceola Elementary, Webster Elementary and the pre-K classes at the First Coast Technical Center. Five other schools already have funding through various donors: Cunningham Creek Elementary, Durbin Creek Elementary, Ocean Palms Elementary, PV/PV Rawlings Elementary and Valley Ridge Academy.
“First Coast Cultural Center has been offering music therapy since 2006,” said Donna Guzzo, First Coast Cultural Center president and CEO. “We know it is beneficial in improving self-esteem. It can decrease anxiety, and it can help improve communication skills. We now hear from former students who are young adults that have graduated high school or are in college and have not forgotten the program. We are committed to making a life impact on these children.”
Sirak said she also looks forward to another year teaching creative strategies to help students learn through music.
“Students really enjoy when I sing the words in a book to them instead of just reading it,” she said. “Some of my older students like writing songs, as well.”
To donate or sponsor a student or for more program details, go to firstcoastculturalcenter.org/programs-events/sound-connections-r.
Individual music therapy sessions are also available at First Coast Cultural Center for a fee.
