Twenty-four years ago, the nonprofit Books, Brushes & Bands for Education was founded by artist Michelle Golden of Hammond.
Her goal was to bring needed music education opportunities to youngsters in the community, and the organization was born. The nonprofit has expanded to other creative programs over the years.
“Currently, our organization’s focus is on growing the impact of Book Brigade, a community initiative to promote reading and address the book desert of Northwest Indiana by working with new and former community partners to create engaging events for all ages,” said Ian Brundige, communication and development manager of Books, Brushes & Bands.
At the Oct. 30 kickoff to its Family Literacy Month event, around 75 guests selected free books and participated in short writing and drawing activities based on books.
People are also reading…
Books, Brushes & Bands is expanding access to free books and family literacy programs at the Hammond Public Library.
Since 2000, Books, Brushes & Bands for Education has attracted thousands of public, private, parochial and home-school students ages 5-18 to experience instruction and performance opportunities. It has also offered adult music programs.
“Books, Brushes & Bands for Education’s mission is to provide children of all backgrounds with opportunities to explore, experience and engage with literary, visual and musical arts, nurturing their growth and development,” said Brundige.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. presented Books, Brushes & Bands with the Youth Advocate Award at the 37th Annual Volunteer Breakfast Oct. 24. “The organization’s broad portfolio of programs includes the Midwest Youth Choir and the Book Brigade,” said Brundige. “Even though the honor highlights the development and implementation of arts education for children specifically, BBB4E is happy to announce the reintroduction of the Midwest Adult Choir with classes that began Nov. 4 at Hammond Central High School.”
The adult choir includes discounts for full-time college students, veterans and seniors 55 and older.
“We hear that adults are seeking ways to reconnect to each other and in the community,” said Golden, who is choir director. ”The reintroduction of the Midwest Adult Choir will provide a low-key, noncompetitive opportunity for adults to safely meet weekly and just sing. We hope that parents who have children enrolled in the Midwest Youth Choir will become singers at the same time in their own group.”
For more information or to donate or volunteer, visit BBB4E.org.
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