First graders at Bronxville Elementary School have been using creativity, collaboration and technology to address common recess challenges. Through a partnership with The Picture House, they’ve been learning simple camera and video techniques to create their own engaging “How-To” videos, showcasing their problem-solving and storytelling skills. 

The project tied directly into the first grade curriculum as students have been exploring solutions to recess challenges in social studies and honing their writing skills by crafting how-to stories in writing. The lessons served as the foundation for the students’ videos on topics such as how to use the Peace Path and Buddy Bench, how to stay safe on the playground and safely use the swings, and how to Be3 (Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe). 

“After researching solutions to common recess problems, the students collaborated with the Picture House to bring their ideas to life,” first grade teacher Kathryn Westerheim said. “They planned, scripted and filmed their how-to videos.”

The project will culminate in a special screening at The Picture House, where all first graders will view their videos. In addition, the videos will serve as resources during the school’s Be3 assemblies. The experience allowed the students to see the impact of their work beyond the classroom. 

“The students created something that will go out into the world and educate others,” Westerheim said. “It is a way for them to see themselves as engaged citizens even at a young age.”

The enriching experience was made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Bronxville School Foundation. 

Bronxville High School orchestra students have stepped back in time to the Baroque era by performing music with Baroque bows. Under the guidance of their teacher Matthew Dell, the students are exploring Baroque performance style in a deeper and more meaningful way than they could with conventional bows. 

Traditionally, students practice Baroque music using modern bows and instruments, which differ significantly from those of the Baroque period. However, thanks to a generous grant from the Bronxville School Foundation, the students can deepen their understanding of the music and its context by learning how Baroque bows impact sound and technique.

“A number of small differences between conventional and Baroque bows add up to a different sound and feeling when playing,” Dell said. “Of all the differences, the single most impactful is the bow; Baroque bows are shorter and have different tension than modern bows. Playing with a Baroque bow changes the way a musician performs this music, leading to a deeper understanding of and connection with the composition and the composer.”

Over the next few months, the students – violinists, violists, cellists and bassists – will refine their techniques using exercises written during the Baroque era. They will rehearse “Hallelujah Chorus” from “Messiah” by George Frideric Handel, culminating in a performance with the high school chorus at the winter concert on Dec. 18. Additionally, a Baroque piece will be the focus piece of the spring orchestra concert on April 30. 

“Getting a set of Baroque bows for my students has been a dream of mine,” Dell said. “There is nothing like them, and I could see the students noticed the difference immediately. I hope the students will find a new enjoyment in performing Baroque music. Though it is old, it should not be stuffy, and the Baroque bows can help bring out the fun and excitement of Baroque music.”