District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – WhenAlger Middle School scholars return this August, they’ll find something new waiting for them: a state-of-the-art classical piano lab, made possible through the generosity of the Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation.

The idea for the lab came straight from the scholars themselves. Inspired by their classroom piano and eager to learn, they asked Music Teacher Julie Farrier how they could get more instruments.

“They are fascinated by the piano,” Farrier said. “I have a piano that I use. They always wanted to play it.”

Now, thanks to a $23,000 donation from the GRPS Foundation, Alger’s new piano lab includes 20 individual keyboards, giving scholars the hands-on experience they’ve been asking for.

Before the school year ended, scholars got a chance to test out the new equipment.

“It’s very cool,” said Ta’Miah, who will be entering 7th grade this fall.

“It means a lot to us, I just can’t explain it,” added fellow 7th-grader Belise.

The new piano lab will be integrated into Alger’s music appreciation class starting this fall.

“The piano really helps them hone that creativity and that curiosity in a really wonderful way,” Farrier said. “I'm just incredibly grateful for the years of education that will come from this great investment.”

Stephanie Andrews, President and CEO of the GRPS Foundation, says the project reflects the foundation’s long-standing commitment to the arts.

“We have been supporting art and music in the district for years and years,” Andrews said. “It aligns with what our community knows that our kids want and deserve.”

For scholars like Ta’Miah and Belise, the new lab opens up new possibilities.

“Now I can play a piano, learn an instrument, and it can help me in the future,” Ta’Miah said.

“It makes me feel like I'll be there one day—I’ll be like Miss Farrier and get to play a lot of songs,” said Belise.

You can help support opportunities like this for GRPS scholars by donating to the Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation.

Find News Article

School
Topics
GRPS Foundation donates piano lab to Alger Middle School
School: Alger Middle School GRPS
GRPS Public Safety officers honored for work during 2024-25 school year
School: GRPS Topics: Safety & Security
‘Meet Up and Eat Up’ summer meals program kicks off
School: GRPS
BOE in 60: Recap of June Board of Education meeting
School: GRPS Topics: Board of Education
Class of 2025 graduation ceremonies in pictures
School: CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Middle High City High Middle School GR Learning Center GR Montessori Middle High School GR Public Museum GR UPrep GRPS Innovation Central High School Ottawa Hills High School Southeast Career Pathways Southwest Academia Bilingüe Union High School
Learning at the lakeshore: beach trip is the first for some fifth-graders
School: GRPS Sibley Elementary
MLive: 100-year-old school tucked away in Grand Rapids neighborhood
School: GRPS North Park Early Childhood Center North Park Montessori
WOOD TV8: As summer begins, GRPS renovation projects 'kicking into full speed'
School: GRPS Topics: Reimagine GRPS with Us!