The delight experienced as a member of the audience more than compensated for the small amount of personal time sacrificed in order to attend. I found myself smiling throughout the entire itinerary. However, nothing compared to the smirk on [my student's] face and the gleam in his eyes when he realized that I had come to see his performance (we had a homework deal).

Thank you for dedicating your time and effort to this worthwhile endeavor. Words cannot express the inspiration you are bringing to our community and the personal growth of the children participating. Please continue to enlist the support of all educators in guiding interested students into the program and in helping coordinate schedules to accommodate the education of the whole child.

- Letter of Jacquelyn Paradis, student teacher at Orchard Drive Elementary School

BBB4E helps my son concentrate better in school; he meets different people every year.  He has the opportunity to advance his music knowledge outside of school which you are doing a better job.  Continue to provide this community band program which I think is the best around.

- Armando Torres, parent

Because of band, I hope to do more things in life that involve music.  I also like that I get to meet new people and see them outside of school.

- AJ

“Since its incorporation in 2000, this arts organization has achieved great success throughout the Hammond community with its various projects in the Hammond Schools. Many children in this community have received a higher level of literary, visual, and musical arts education thanks to their efforts. Arts education is invaluable in a well-rounded education. I have witnessed its work and great success with the children in our community with the “Hand Project” and most recently with its choir and band programs. For the last few years, we have witnessed continuous growth and strength in the direction, leadership, and vision of Books, Brushes & Bands for Education. It continues to present a high quality product not only to our students but to the community as well. Beckman, Kelly & Smith supports this organization both financially and with the volunteer efforts of our attorneys and staff.”

- Daniel W. Glavin, Esq., managing partner at the law firm of Beckman, Kelly & Smith

I am happy for the opportunity for my daughter to learn this music and voice control.  She was singing before she could talk.

- Sandra States, parent

I love singing.

- Briona

Choir has made me feel good because I actually found my inner voice.

- Rosetta

My daughter enjoyed being a part of BBB4E.  She was able to meet new people and expand her knowledge of music.  I enjoyed meeting parents and getting to know the community.  I also think that it was great to attend the winter concert at the Harris Theater to see the Midwest Young Artists perform.  Never say NO to a bus trip with Books, Brushes & Bands!!  You just don't know what is out there in terms of culture until you get on that bus!!

- Nancy Bucki, parent

This program requires discipline!  The directors are professional of their craft and gently, yet firmly require the students to excel and achieve greatness.  When the students perform, you see and feel their sense of accomplishment and pride to collectively make music in a creative and perfected way.

The organization is committed to seek new venues for the children to perform in as well as be exposed to great music.  They are very conscientious about a family's budget and work hard to find financial support in the community to help keep tuition reasonable.

I recommend their program for all youth!

- Valrie Kemp Davis, community member

I like the friends that I have met in band.  MeritFest is a lot of fun!

- Alex

There is no other program like BBB4E.  Students are challenged, expected to be their best, discovered talents that they might have never discovered, gained self-confidence, discipline, respect, and appreciation for others and for the fine arts.  I look forward to working in the newly formed parent organization so that we can seek out responsible, hard-working like-minded students and parents who want to grow in understanding and appreciation of all the arts have to offer.

- Dave Innes, parent

We are very thankful and proud to be a part of Books, Brushes & Bands.  This program has given our preschool children the opportunity to explore instruments, create melodies, learn songs as a group, and made up songs.  They have developed an appreciation for different kinds of music and have become comfortable with different forms of musical expression.  Mr. Mike has done a wonderful job with the children of Northwest Family Services and continues to do an outstanding job.  The children look forward to their weekly sessions with Mr. Mike.  He has introduced music words - rhythm, beat, steady, fast, slow, loud, and soft.  Music naturally delights and interests the children.  Music and movement help develop both sides of the brain - and contribute to children's social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.  The teachers of Northwest Family Services have worked alongside Mr. Mike for the past several years in incorporating his lessons into their weekly lesson plans.  Books, Brushes & Bands is very important in connecting music with our curriculum goals and objectives.  Without this program the children will not have the opportunity to explore music first hand from someone who is trained in the field of music.  Our teachers have their Bachelors and Associates in the field of Early Childhood Education.  They are not music majors and cannot teach music like a professional music teacher can.

Most of our children come from low-income, single-parent homes, and music helps many of our children express themselves in ways that no one could imagine.  For example, a child who is very shy will be able to stand in front of an audience and perform in our musicals and concerts.  Or a child who doesn't talk in the classroom is able to express themselves through singing and dancing with a group of children.  There are many ways in which Books, Brushes & Bands have contributed to the development of our children at Northwest Family Services.  Over 150 preschoolers are served each year through this program.

- Letter from Gilda Sanders and Nereida Villarreal, Child Care Director and Assistant Director at Northwest Family Services, Inc.

Choir is teaching me new things.  I am also learning how to sing.

- Ella

What I like most about choir is letting my voice out.  I hope to sing around the world.

- Autumn

I don't really feel shy about singing in front of people anymore.  I hope to become a famous singer.

- Daniel

Being in choir has made me feel good about myself because I have been called a lovely singer.

- Stephanie

I joined choir because I like to sing.  I have learned how to be not so shy and also how to be a good singer.

- Emily

Being in choir makes me feel good about myself because I finally found something that I like.  Because of choir, I hope to do good in the future and become a chef!

- David

I like singing different kinds of songs in choir.  I also learned not to be shy anymore.

- Trenese

Because of band I hope to play my flute in the talent show at my school.

- Sarah